Ohio U. Professor Will Take Any Excuse for Students’ Absences

Oversleep? Have a date? Just felt like skipping class? That’s fine, says an Ohio University journalism professor, as long as you tell him.

Michael J. Bugeja will let anyone skip his class in journalism ethics as long as he knows why."It’s not about attendance,” he says of his unusual policy."It’s about trust. I teach students that they don’t have to lie to get out of things.”

Dr. Bugeja started his policy in 1992, after his annoyance grew at the task of taking daily attendance in his large class. Now, students who miss a class must notify him in writing, preferably through e-mail, in advance or within 24 hours of their absence.

As long as they don’t miss tests or deadlines for class projects, any reason will suffice.

He has received excuses ranging from the mundane to the intriguing. One student submitted the following prior to a Friday lecture:"I will not be attending class today because my buddies and I are going to Lansing, Michigan, to drink beer, kiss boys, and engage in general collegiate merrymaking.”

Dr. Bugeja hopes that by making students think about their reasons for missing class, he will encourage them to assess their priorities.

Those who fail to submit excuses must meet one-on-one with the professor. And if he catches a student in a lie, that student may fail the course.

Lauren Wood, a junior majoring in magazine journalism, says the system creates an atmosphere of respect.

“It’s beneficial to everyone, because truth brings respect,” says Ms. Wood, who has been absent just twice, for job interviews."This system shows that Dr. Bugeja brings respect to his students, and the students then bring that respect back to him.”