MPAS Attendance Expectations Policy

To describe the policy and procedures relating to attendance expectations and the consequences of absenteeism pertaining to students enrolled in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program.  Policy and procedure for attendance at assessments are presented in the MPAS Student Assessment Policy. For specific policies and procedures regarding attendance during clinical education courses please refer to Clinical Education Policies and Procedures (in development).

The MPAS program supports the development of high standards of professional conduct and attitudes and wants to ensure that graduates are capable of working safely and effectively as Physician Assistants. Given the nature and design of the MPAS program, attendance at all scheduled teaching and assessment events is mandatory. The MPAS program recognizes that unanticipated events arise and appreciates the thoughtful actions of students not attending in-person when they are ill.

There are several negative impacts on the learning and teaching environment associated with student absenteeism, including:

• It is disrespectful to the instructor for members of the class not to show up for sessions that they have taken time and effort to prepare.
• It places undue pressure on other classmates, especially given the nature of the program where group work is integrated throughout.
• Missed sessions often result in insufficient preparation for future learning events.
• Missed applied learning sessions are difficult to replicate and reschedule.
• The CanMEDS-PA framework and Entrustable Professional Activities require repeated observation and assessment, therefore missing sessions reduces the opportunities for feedback and for faculty to make entrustment decisions.
• Consistent attendance is an expected professional behaviour in health professions education. Chronic absenteeism raises concerns about learner reliability, accountability, and future workplace performance.

Attendance and Punctuality Expectations

1. Full and punctual attendance at all in-person lectures, online live sessions, laboratories, clinical skills and clinical placements and other scheduled components of the academic program is a requirement unless absence or punctuality is unavoidably caused by illness, compassionate reasons or has received prior permission from the Academic Director (or Delegate). It is important for the learner to notify the program as soon as possible of unavoidable absence by emailing the program at mpas@usask.ca. Depending on the circumstances and at the discretion of the MPAS office/Academic Director, documentation may be required to show proof of reason for absence. Prior permission requires the learner to complete a “Request for short-term program absence” form that must be submitted to the Academic Director for approval at least two weeks prior to the planned absence. Completing the form does not guarantee approval of the absence and a plan to make up missed sessions is a requirement of the form.
2. It is recognized that a student may be unavoidably delayed on occasion (i.e. once or twice), however arriving late is disruptive and will not be tolerated as a regular occurrence.
3. It is expected that students should not request approval for absences from scheduled class or clinical hours to prepare for assessments.

Procedure 

1. If the student is unable to attend class due to illness or compassionate reasons, the student is expected to notify by email the MPAS general office administrative staff at mpas@usask.ca.
2. If an illness or compassionate reason is likely to cause more than 2 days of absence the student must consult with the Director and/or Chair of the MPAS Academic Affairs Committee.
3. Absences for other reasons (refer to 1a above) must first be approved by the Academic Director or delegate.
4. If a student misses more than 10% of a course or an academic module, they will be required to provide written documentation justifying the absence, if not already provided. After the acute event has resolved (if related to illness or compassionate leave) and/or this threshold has been flagged, a meeting with the Academic Director or delegate will be scheduled to discuss an academic remediation plan to address missed sessions and deficiencies.

When instructors observe consistently poor punctuality and lack of attendance this would be considered unprofessional behaviour and the instructor would initiate a report to the Academic Director as per the standard operating procedures for concerns with MPAS Student Professional Behaviour and will be handled per the Professional Behaviours and Expectations Policy (in development).

MPAS Leave of Absence Process

Special Student Requests for Absence from a Clinical Placement (in development)

Professional Behaviours and Expectations Policy (in development)

MPAS Academic Expectations, Advancement and Promotions Policy

Program Manager, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program
Phone: 306-966-4252