Juilliard’s mission to prepare students for a productive and fulfilling professional life is partly implemented through the mastery of information conveyed in classes. Therefore, students’ regular class attendance is essential for the fulfillment of that mission.

In a syllabus at the beginning of each semester, class teachers specify attendance expectations in writing, clarifying the grading implications of absences. Regardless of the nature of an absence, the student is always responsible for all material covered, assignments and oral presentations due on days of absence and return. Unexcused absences jeopardize a student’s good standing in a course.

Subject to conditions outlined in the teacher’s syllabus, the maximum number of absence days equates to 20% of the semester (three classes which meet once weekly or six classes meeting twice weekly). Participants in competitions or auditions may request an exception to this limit, which will be evaluated by the Professional Leave Panel. However, ultimately the teacher may determine a maximum number of absences, whether excused or not, beyond which it is impossible to earn credit for the class.

Juilliard Events

All absences required by an official Juilliard performance activity (Orchestra or Symphony, Vocal Arts Department, Dance or Drama Divisions) will be excused, exempting the student from negative grading consequences. The class participation component of the semester grade will be calculated from the average of all other class meetings. Events that are not exempted include master classes, unofficial rehearsals and individual lessons or coachings which conflict with the class schedule.
Medical Emergency

In the case of serious illness which requires hospitalization or prolonged absence, the Health Office will inform the Registrar for notification of class teachers. Resulting absences are not excused, but teachers are urged to assist students in making up missed work. Student-initiated requests for Health Office letters following an absence likewise do not excuse the absence.
Music Professional Leaves

Absences of five or fewer consecutive class days will no longer require the completion of a Professional Leave Form, and therefore cannot officially be excused by the administration. The student will communicate directly with each class teacher, who will determine if the absence may be excused. Voice students should request permission for any absence from the Administrative Director of Vocal Arts at least four weeks in advance. DMA students should consult guidelines from the Doctoral Governance Committee.

A Professional Leave Request of more than six consecutive days must be submitted to the Dean’s Office as early as possible before signing a professional contract, and at least six weeks before the intended absence. Supporting documents which clarify the professional significance of the performance opportunity or audition will be critical in the review process. A Professional Leave Panel of faculty members and administrators will meet to evaluate requests. The form will be circulated to each of the student’s studio and classroom teachers with two options for the teacher’s response: 1) request for leave of absence approved; 2) request denied, with explanation (e. g. work cannot be made up, class standing is already at risk, etc.). After this procedure is complete, the student will be notified in writing whether the request was approved or denied. Any approved request will be regarded by class teachers as an excused absence, exempting the student from negative grading consequences. Any request not approved by the Panel may result in lowering of grades if the student is absent.