What you need to know about attendance

You’re more likely to achieve your academic potential

There is evidence of a positive correlation between attending your lectures, seminars, tutorials, labs or workshops and higher module marks. Studies have shown that attendance could even be more relevant in predicting how well you’ll do than your previous exam results. So being at your learning sessions means you may be more likely to get the results you want.

Strong attendance will reduce the impact of missing a session

We understand that, sometimes, you might have to miss a teaching session. You may be facing a physical or mental health problem, for example. 

But it’s important to attend everything else that you can, as this will reduce the impact of missing a session on one of those days where it’s impossible to get to campus. If you are finding it difficult to consistently attend your timetabled sessions, your Personal Tutor is there to help you navigate any challenges you may be facing.

You can experience the power of collective learning

At University you’ll spend a fair share of your time working independently. Joining your teaching sessions means you’ll experience the benefits of collective learning too. We do record lectures and other sessions, but not all of them. These recordings are there to help you cover areas you might not have understood at first, or to revise.  

Your teaching sessions are designed to be run in person, so recordings don’t capture the experience of collective learning. For example, going to your sessions will provide you with opportunities to seek information or help from your peers and lecturers. When you seek guidance and assistance early, we can support you to achieve your potential by pointing you towards the right University services.   

You’ll feel part of the Surrey community

Attending your live teaching sessions can also add some structure and routine into your day. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to make connections and build relationships with others on your course, as well as the many staff and students that make up our vibrant Surrey community. 

There’s so much more to experience when you visit campus. There are hundreds of study spaces and subject resources available in our library, or you can study in our modernised learning and teaching spaces. You can also refuel and socialise in a range of food and drink spots and relax in our refurbished social spaces. If you’re already on campus, take the time to explore your other interests by attending University or Students’ Union events, or by joining one of over 140 clubs and societies.

When you miss your timetabled sessions, you are holding yourself back by reducing your chance of reaching your full potential. By turning up to your teaching sessions, you give yourself the power to achieve better grades and thrive during your time within our Surrey community.

How does the University help me track my attendance?

MySurrey Attendance will allow us to capture your attendance electronically at your timetabled teaching sessions using a mobile app or browser, and soon you will be able to see your attendance record within MySurrey Engagement where it’ll contribute to your engagement rating. 

MySurrey Attendance is very easy to use and it takes just a few seconds to log your attendance.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the MySurrey Attendance page.

Where can I find more information about attendance?

Read more about our attendance policy and code of practice for student engagement.

References

1 Crede, M., Roch, S. and Kieszczynka, U. (2010) ‘Class attendance in college: A meta-nalytic review of the relationship of class attendance with grades and student characteristics’, Review of Educational Research, 80 (2), pp. 272–295.