Attendance Policy

It is encouraged and expected that all enrolled students regularly attend to derive maximum benefit from the instructional program and develop punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility habits. Students are expected to telephone the instructor when absent according to departmental policy. Attendance requirements in programs that lead to licensure may be stricter than the Colleges’ overall attendance policy.

  • High School Student: Ridge Technical College observes the Code of Student Conduct in determining which absences will be excused and which will not. A high school student may be withdrawn from Ridge if the student accumulates five (5) unexcused absences in nine weeks or accumulates ten (10) total absences in an 18-week term.
  • Postsecondary/ Adult Student: An adult student may be withdrawn from school if the student is absent five (5) consecutive days and has not initiated a Leave of Absence request or misses 45 hours in a semester. A program of 750 hours will be 37.5 hours in a semester.

Attendance and Punctuality

In order to obtain the most from a program, the student has to be present and on time! Students are held accountable for regular, punctual class attendance and the constructive use of class time during each school day. Potential employers will inquire about a student’s performance in the program and attendance. Excessive absences and tardiness could initiate withdrawal from a program.

Excused Absences

Ridge Technical College observes the Code of Student Conduct in determining which absences will be excused and which will not. According to this Code, the following absences will be excused by the school system:

  1. Personal illness (within reason)
  2. Illness or death in the immediate family
  3. Religious holidays
  4. Educational trips
  5. Trips with parents (pre-arranged)
  6. School-sponsored activities
  7. Judicial actions
  8. Military dependent school-age student

Student Leave of Absence Policy

If an adult student needs an extended absence for a legitimate, unforeseen circumstance, he/she may submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) Request to Administration. Only one leave per school year, not to exceed 10 days, will be granted. Additional subsequent leaves may be granted for jury duty, military reasons, or circumstances covered under the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 or other circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Students taking approved leave to retain in-school status.

A student who does not return from the approved Leave of Absence will be considered withdrawn. If a Pell-eligible student is withdrawn, the Financial Aid Coordinator will process an R2T4 to determine if Pell eligibility is affected. Upon return, students will be expected to make up any missed work.

Criteria for Determining Excused or Unexcused Checkouts and Tardiness

These will be the same as absences per the Code of Student Conduct. After five (5) absences per grading period, students will be sent to the Assistant Director’s office for a conference.

Dismissal

A student may be withdrawn from the college for unsatisfactory conduct, excessive absences, excessive tardiness, or lack of progress.

Student Grades and Progress Reports

Postsecondary students are evaluated at the end of each course. Records are kept to show planned tasks, tasks that are attained, and each task's day for every nine weeks.

All secondary students are evaluated every nine weeks and issued a Report Card published through the Polk County School Board District Office. Grading guidelines for high school students are established by the School Board and the State of Florida.

For each OCP attained, an Occupational Completion Point Accomplishment Award is awarded. Certificates of Completion are awarded if a student completes all OCPs of an entire
program and attains required basic skill levels.

Program Completion Requirements

Program completion is determined by the satisfactory completion of all program competencies. Meeting required skill levels on the Tests for Adult Basic Education (TABE) and/or the (CASAS) and mastery of the program competencies as determined by the instructor is the standard for determining if a Certificate of Completion is issued. Standards of progress are established for each program which include: (1) minimum level of quality for each competency; (2) average and maximum time achieving each objective; and (3) attendance/ employability skills standards met.

Polk County Grading Scale

The Polk County grading key below is used in determining letter grades for high school students.

Polk County Grading Scale:
A (90 - 100%) Outstanding
B (80 - 89%) Above Average
C (70 - 79%) Average
D (60 - 69%) Below Average
F (0 - 59%) Failing

Veteran’s Attendance Policy

  • Early departures, class cuts, tardiness, etc., for any portion of a class period will be counted as an absence.
  • Students exceeding 20% of total absences in a calendar month will be terminated from their VA benefits for unsatisfactory attendance.
  • In order to show that the cause of unsatisfactory attendance has been removed, students must show good attendance (as defined) for one calendar month after being terminated for unsatisfactory attendance. After such time, the student may be recertified for VA education benefits.
  • The student’s attendance record will be retained in the veteran’s file for USDVA and SAA audit purposes.

Standards of Academic Progress for VA Students

  • Students receiving VA educational benefits must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 70% each quarter (term, quarter, semester, evaluation period, etc.).
  • A VA student whose CGPA falls below 70% at the end of any quarter (term, quarter, semester, evaluation period, etc.) will be placed on academic probation for a maximum of two consecutive terms of enrollment. If the VA student’s CGPA is still below 70% at the end of the second consecutive term of probation, the student’s VA
    educational benefits will be terminated. 
  • A VA student terminated from VA educational benefits due to unsatisfactory progress may petition the school to be recertified after attaining a CGPA of 70%. Veteran’s Credit for Previous Education or Training.
  • Students must report all education and training. The school must evaluate and grant credit, if appropriate, with the training time shortened, the tuition reduced proportionately, and the VA and student notified.

Student Records Disclosure

The School Board of Polk County maintains educational records following State and federal laws. Copies of the School Board of Polk County Records Policy are available for the public at the District Office.