Although NDMU is not required to take attendance by state, federal, or regional accrediting agencies, attendance is documented in the first week of certain courses to authenticate initial participation in academically-related activity. Additional course attendance requirements are designated by faculty members and vary depending on course content, learning outcomes, and assignments. Students should consult the “Course Policies” section of the syllabus for details.
Online Courses
Students are expected to have active, consistent, and timely engagement in online courses and to participate in the course’s academically-related activities.
Academically-related activities in an online course include, but are not limited to:
- submitting an academic assignment;
- taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer‐assisted instruction;
- attending a study group that is assigned by the University;
- participating in an online discussion about academic matters; and
- initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.
As a general rule, students should expect to spend a minimum of 37.5 hours of time per credit over the course of the term.
On‐Campus Courses
While attendance requirements may vary, all students must participate in required learning activities and assessments. As with online courses, students are expected to have active, consistent, and timely engagement in on‐campus courses and to participate in the course’s academically related activities.
Academically-related activities in an on‐campus course include, but are not limited to:
- physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students;
- submitting an academic assignment;
- taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer‐assisted instruction;
- attending a study group that is assigned by the University;
- participating in an online discussion about academic matters; and
- initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.
The in‐classroom and out‐of‐classroom hours vary for on‐campus courses depending on the type of course (e.g., didactic vs. lab). As with online courses, students should expect to spend a minimum of 37.5 hours of time per credit over the course of the term. This includes hours inside the classroom and hours working outside the classroom (reading, reviewing notes, completing assignments, etc.).
SOIH has no on-campus courses at this time.
For Both Online and On Campus Courses
As a general rule, students should expect to spend a minimum of 37.5 hours of time per credit over the course of the term, in accordance with the Credits and Semester Hours Policy.
For example, in both a 3-credit course offered over 14 weeks and a 1.5 credit course offered over 7 weeks, students should expect to spend a minimum of eight hours per week engaging in the modules and work that accompanies the course.
- Example 1: A 3-Credit Course Offered Over 14 Weeks
- A 3-credit course = (3 credits) x (37.5 hours/credit) = 112.5 hours
- Students should expect to spend a minimum 112.5 hours divided by 14 weeks = 8 hours per week in the course
- Example 2: A 1.5-Credit Course Offered Over 7 Weeks
- A 1.5-credit course = (1.5 credits) x (37.5 hours/credit) = 56.2 hours
- Students should expect to spend 56.2 hours divided by 7 weeks = 8 hours per week in the course