Very few undergraduate classes require attendance in the syllabus. While in smaller classes, it is awkward to miss a session without an excuse and it’s often implied that you should be there, professors tend not to make too big of a deal about whether or not you show up. So, I was shocked to read in each of my syllabi that, “You are expected to attend every class with the exception of academic meetings at which you will be presenting.”

This added expectation of attendance is obviously much easier to evaluate when there are only about 10 people in the class, but I would dare to say that in my larger classes, nearly-full attendance is achieved on a regular basis. Even though I tried my hardest, I’ll admit that there were definitely a few early-morning undergraduate classes that I failed to show up for once or twice and I may have skipped a class or two for a lunch at the Mel. Now, having the extra-expected accountability definitely makes me think twice about adding a day to my weekend or adding an hour to my slumber.

I think the key word in that sentence is “expected.” While my professors don’t necessarily take attendance and don’t make it part of our grade, there is a sense among students that they should be there. I have found both as an undergraduate and in graduate school that showing up to class really makes a difference in the learning process. Even if I’m not fully focused on what’s being taught, I definitely feel that there’s an element of osmosis when I show up to class. I think it would be interesting if all professors made a concerted effort to say that “attendance is mandatory” for their class. While they may never take a measure to see if students actually follow through, it might get a few more students to show up and this could be a true benefit for them.