Student attendance and engagement
Regular attendance and active participation are essential to your success at Regent College London (RCL). Attending your classes, arriving on time, and taking part in your learning helps you stay on track, build confidence, and get the support you need to progress.
This page explains what we expect from you, how we monitor attendance and engagement, and what support is available if you are finding it difficult to attend.
Attendance and engagement are monitored so we can identify concerns early, offer support, and meet regulatory requirements set by funders and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The Attendance and Engagement Policy aims to support your academic success by encouraging consistent participation, while also ensuring fairness and compliance with regulations.
Attendance requirements
You must attend all scheduled teaching sessions, whether on campus or online. This includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and Personal Academic Tutor meetings.
What is expected of you:
- Maintain 80% or higher attendance across the academic year.
- Arrive on time and stay for the full session – arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving early will be recorded as lateness.
- Submit a Leave of Absence Request within five working days if you miss a session for a valid reason.
- Contact your Personal Academic Tutor for advice on catching up on missed learning.
Valid reasons for absence
Absences must normally relate to illness, unexpected personal circumstances, or serious events. Routine work, holidays, or travel arrangements are generally not accepted as valid grounds for absence.
Engagement expectations
Engagement means being prepared, contributing actively, and participating in your learning both in person and online.
You’re expected to:
- Join all scheduled classes and engage fully with activities.
- Bring the resources you need for class and be ready to participate.
- For online sessions: join from a quiet space, use a computer, and keep your camera on for the full session.
- Respond promptly to emails or messages from your tutors or support teams.
- Let your Personal Academic Tutor know early if challenges are affecting your ability to attend or participate.
- Arrive on time and stay for the full duration of the class.
- Check in via the SEAtS app to record your attendance.
- Participate in discussions and respect other students’ contributions.
- Avoid using phones or other decisions unless they are part of the learning activity.
- Log in on time for the start of class so your attendance can be recorded.
- Join from a quiet environment where you can focus and participate fully.
- Turn your camera on and display your preferred first name on MS Teams.
- Stay engaged throughout the class – respond to tutor prompts and contribute to group discussions.
- Do not share class links or recordings without permission.
Monitoring and support
We regularly review attendance to identify concerns early and offer support. If your attendance falls below expected levels, you will move through the following steps.
You will receive an email if you miss four sessions without submitting a Leave of Absence Form.
This message explains our concerns, outlines the possible consequences, and signposts support.
If you miss four more sessions, you will be invited to meet with your Personal Academic Tutor.
We will discuss what is affecting your attendance and agree an Attendance and Engagement Plan.
If you do not attend the meeting without a valid reason, the process continues to Stage 3.
This meeting takes place with an Attendance Officer. We will review your attendance, your plan, and next steps.
If you cannot demonstrate acceptable improvement, you may receive a Notification of Intention to Withdraw.
If you do not respond within 10 working days, withdrawal may proceed.
Student visa holders
If you hold a Student visa, you must meet the attendance and engagement requirements of your visa. RCL is required by UKVI to monitor your attendance, record concerns, and report non-engagement where necessary.
Support and next steps
If you’re finding it difficult to attend classes or manage your studies, please reach out to your Personal Academic Tutor as soon as you can.
The Wellbeing and Disability Support team can also work with you to find solutions and keep your studies on track.
