If my son misses the first lecture of his marine bio class due to travel, what’s the best move: email TA, email prof, or just show up next time? Hes a transfer and not sure what to do
To ensure your son maintains his spot in the marine biology class at UCSD, proactive communication is essential. Missing the first lecture can lead to administrative drop-offs, especially in high-demand courses.
Immediate Steps
1.
Check the Syllabus:
He should review the syllabus on Canvas for specific attendance policies, as some courses may have strict no-show rules. 2.
Email the Professor:
He should send a professional email to the professor, CCing the TA. This email should include:
- His full name, course name, and section number.
- A brief explanation of his absence due to travel and his intention to remain in the course.
- A request for any critical enrollment confirmations or materials needed for the next class.
- Lab Courses: If this is a lab-based class, attendance is often mandatory from day one, and missing it without prior notice could result in being dropped.
- Waitlist Dynamics: Professors often use first-day attendance to manage waitlists, so confirming his commitment is crucial to avoid losing his spot.
- Catch Up: He should reach out to classmates or check Canvas for any available lecture recordings or notes to prepare for the next session.