Policy on Class Attendance

Preferred Mode of Teaching and Learning at TTC

1. Face-to-face, on-campus classroom teaching and learning is the norm and preferred way of vocational preparation and theological learning at TTC.
2. During Academic Year 2020/21, TTC made a campus-wide decision to conduct lessons over Zoom to address the situations created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Considered as a form of ERT (Emergency Remote Teaching) by the college, conducting lessons over Zoom is only an emergency measure and not a substitute or alternative to face-to-face classes.

Guiding Principles

The classroom attendance policy is designed:

1. To preclude discrimination between international students and local students;
2. To promote mutual accountability;
3. To be strict with the iniquitous but gentle with the infirm; and
4. To recognise Christ as our one Teacher (Matt 23.10), while the lecturers are agents/facilitators.

Regulations

1. Class attendance is compulsory.
2. Those who are absent need to provide acceptable reasons.
   1. For illnesses, a medical certificate is expected.
   2. For extenuating circumstances, a form designed for this purpose must be completed and submitted to the Academic Dean, after obtaining the necessary endorsements from the lecturers of the classes missed.
3. Students are to explain their absences directly to their course lecturers.
4. Only cases for discipline are to be brought to the Academic Dean.

Infringements

1. The college three-step disciplinary process may be applied for recalcitrants: official reprimandèsuspensionèexpulsion
2. Some practical advice:
   1. Lecturers are to talk to absentees or warn them before the problem is brought before the Academic Dean.
   2. Students are to explain any intricate or intractable problems to their lecturers before the matter worsens.

Minimum Attendance

1. In line with our philosophy of having face-to-face, in-situ class learning, students should not be absent for more than three classes per course enrolled. Should students be absent for more than three classes for valid reasons, they need to seek permission from the Dean’s Office.
2. Those who miss more than three classes with approved absences will be closely monitored and given extra help to keep pace with their studies when this becomes necessary. Paced assignments may be set.

Updated on 2025-06-10