Where standards are set

Attendance Policy 

Effective Date: August 1, 2026 
Approved By: Director 
Applies To: All enrolled students 

1. Purpose 

To establish clear expectations for attendance, protect academic and clinical competency standards, and ensure consistent enforcement across all programs. 

Massage therapy education requires sustained participation in theory, practical, and clinical instruction. Attendance is considered an essential component of academic progression. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All theory classes 

• Practical instruction 

• Clinic shifts 

• Specialty seminars or intensives 

• All instructional blocks within the academic year 

3. Policy Statement 

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and clinical components. 

The College permits limited absences within defined thresholds. Absence privileges are not an entitlement and do not exempt students from meeting learning outcomes or clinical hour requirements. 

4. Sick Days Allowance 

Each Weekday student is permitted: 

• 6 sick days per academic year without documentation. 

Each Weekend student is permitted: 

• 2 sick days per academic year without documentation. 

The following conditions apply: 

• Sick days may not be used on: 

• Test or exam days 

• Specialty classes or intensive seminars 

• Use of sick days does not exempt the student from completing missed coursework or clinic requirements. 

Students are not required to notify instructors directly. Attendance will be recorded by the instructor as absent. 

5. Absence Thresholds 

Absences are tracked by individual class sessions (instructional blocks). 

Weekday Level 1: 

Up to 18 total class absences per academic year 

• Considered excused. 

• No documentation required (within the first 6 sick days). 

An automated email will be issued upon reaching 6 days total absences, informing the student that medical documentation will be required for future absences. 

Weekday Level 2: 

Next 12 class absences (19–30 total) 

• Require medical documentation for each additional absence. 

• Documentation must be submitted within 48 hours of return. 

Failure to provide documentation will result in the absence being classified as unexcused and may trigger disciplinary review. 

6. Pattern Rule (Consecutive Absence Escalation) 

Attendance is evaluated not only by total number but by behavioural pattern. 

Two consecutive absences in the same class: 

• Mandatory meeting with the instructor. 

Next two consecutive absences in the same class: 

• Referred to Student Support (Michelle) for formal attendance review. 

Next two consecutive absences in the same class: 

• Referred to the Director. 

• May result in suspension from the program. 

An ongoing pattern following suspension will trigger a formal review for removal from the program. 

Pattern escalation applies regardless of total absence count. 

7. Academic Integrity of Attendance 

Absences: 

• Do not exempt students from skill competency requirements. 

• Do not guarantee makeup opportunities. 

• May delay program progression if clinical hours or competencies are unmet. 

8. Enforcement 

Instructors are responsible for: 

• Accurate attendance tracking 

• Initiating Pattern Rule meetings 

Student Support is responsible for: 

• Monitoring threshold alerts 

• Managing documentation review 

• Escalating repeated concerns 

The Director retains authority for suspension or removal decisions. 

9. Authority 

This policy is enacted under the authority of the Director and supports regulatory requirements governing instructional hours, competency standards, and student progression.