I am sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable, “Complete implementation of the new Student Attendance and Academic Concessions policy.” This work supports BCIT’s commitment to transform teaching and learning by providing a clearer, more consistent, and student-centred approach to attendance expectations and academic concessions.
Policy 5110, Student Attendance and Academic Concessions, replaces the attendance-related provisions previously contained in Policy 5101, Student Regulations. It recognizes the strong connection between attendance, participation, and student success while also respecting students as adult learners and supporting fair, reasonable responses when absences occur. The policy continues to support required attendance where necessary to ensure a safe learning environment or in programs governed by industry partnerships, regulatory requirements, or standards.
Over the past several months, we have focused on completing implementation of the policy across BCIT. A faculty-facing job aid, Promoting Student Participation and Attendance, has been published to translate the policy into day-to-day teaching considerations. Updated attendance language has also been added to course outlines for Fall 2026.
We have met with faculty, Program and Department Heads, Associate Deans, and school and program groups across BCIT to walk through the policy, answer questions, and discuss how it applies in different learning environments. These conversations have included focused discussion of clinical, lab, simulation, safety-critical, and regulated programs, as well as practical questions about course outlines, excused and unexcused absences, and academic concessions.
Students are most successful when expectations are clear and applied consistently. By clarifying responsibilities for both students and instructors, Policy 5110 helps reduce confusion and provide a more consistent approach to attendance and academic concessions across the Institute. It also supports BCIT’s commitment to meeting its human rights obligations by ensuring absences related to protected characteristics are considered appropriately.
Policy 5110 applies to all courses and programs beginning in Fall 2026. Our next step is to continue listening and learning from the community. We will monitor implementation, identify where additional clarification or support may be useful, and recommend refinements based on the experiences of students, instructors, and academic leaders.
Thank you,
Laura Vail (she/her)
Associate Vice President, Students
Commitment: Transform teaching and learning
Initiatives:
- Educational innovation and real-world learning
- Comprehensive student engagement and support
Deliverable: Complete implementation of the new Student Attendance and Academic Concessions policy.