English Department resolution on class attendance
Unanimously approved by the Institutsvorstand on December 11, 2024
We recognize the regulatory framework that has been implemented by our university which gives students the possibility to opt out of attendance when necessary. We are mindful of students’ well-being, and acknowledge that students may face various challenges, such as chronic illnesses, disabilities, health issues, work responsibilities, and financial constraints, which can impact their ability to attend classes regularly. Nevertheless, consistent attendance remains a priority for the effectiveness of the learning process.
Faculty, staff, administrators and student representatives of the English Seminar have discussed and voted to adopt the following resolution:
We strive to make the English Department at the University of Münster a space for collaborative learning and scholarly exchange. Faculty and staff are committed to creating learning opportunities for students through in-class interaction as well as through forms of digital learning (e.g. on Learnweb). The engaged classroom is a space in which a unique teaching and learning experience occurs which cannot be replicated through only using uploaded slides or sharing notes. We emphatically encourage our students to attend classes regularly, to contribute to the collaborative learning environment and make use of networking, feedback and support structures in the classroom and digital space throughout the semester.
Instructors are expected to clearly communicate course expectations and requirements, including information on attendance through their syllabi and other course materials.
Presentation slides and supplementary materials provided by the lecturer should be designed to support student engagement and understanding. However, presentation slides and supplementary materials should not be seen as a substitute for active course engagement and discussions.
Students who cannot attend are responsible for staying informed about course requirements and to fulfill the assignments outlined in the official “Prüfungsordnung.” Those who do not attend class regularly are expected to catch up on missed discussions and content through the provided course materials, additional readings and/or communication with fellow students. Office hour consultation or communication with the lecturer via email cannot be a replacement for missed classes.
Students should be aware that completing an end-of-semester assignment or preparing for a final exam may be more challenging and time-consuming if they have not consistently engaged with the course materials throughout the semester. Also, experience shows that regular attendance in class can be a predictor of successful learning outcomes.
Student presentations provide an important setting for peer discussion and learning, and they contribute to the overall course experience. It is a matter of fairness and respect towards fellow students to attend their presentations and to be actively involved in classroom activities planned and conducted by peers.
Last but not least, a foreign language is best learned via regular and extensive use of that language, at best in a combination of input and output. Being taught in English, all of our classes offer extensive opportunities to foster students’ English language competences and students should seize these opportunities for their personal language learning success as well as for their future careers.
Together, we can make the English Department at the University of Münster a space for interactive, collaborative learning and scholarly exchange.