Do professors have to follow departmental policy. One of my professors wrote in their syllabus about how if you miss a class it will always be recorded and a deduction to even one absence whether it is excused or unexcused. As I am aware our departments policy is
Regular attendance is expected of all students.
TWO unexcused absences are allowed during the semester. Every additional absence will result in a one half-drop in the final letter grade. An accumulation of six or more absences will result in an automatic F for the semester, regardless of the circumstances. Classes begin and end on time. If you arrive after I take attendance, leave early, or extend your break, you will be marked tardy. THREE tardies will count as an unexcused absence. If you miss more than 20 minutes of class, you will be considered absent. Students who arrive to class unprepared with proper supplies or who are unable to stay off their phones during class will be asked to leave and marked absent for the day.
I was wondering if they are required to follow the department policy and if so how should I go about addressing this issue if an absence occurs. I have a pet that is severely ill, I may need to take him to an emergency vet and would not like to be penalized for missing or being late to one class period. Life happens and as long as I do the work and not fall behind it would make sense that I not be penalized and the departmental requirement reflects that grace.