Imagine a scenario where all class attendance was optional. Teachers posted all useful information online and no pop quizzes were assigned. The UMKC Attendance Policy states students are required to attend all class sessions except in the case of an unforeseen circumstance. This includes death of an immediate family member, student illness or involvement in a UMKC event.   This policy may seem stringent, but professors have good reason to enforce it. According to journalism professor Peter Morello, “I am very strict about attendance. In my view, it really isn’t a question of freedom of choice. It’s more like a contract between student and professor. You can’t fulfill the terms of a contract if people don’t show up.” The majority of professors understand the need for sick days as well as personal days, … Read entire article »