Absenteeism & Expulsion

Proper attendance and punctuality are an integral and crucial part of the learning process. Learners are expected to attend classes regularly so that they can successfully complete their programme of study.

Liffey College requires a minimum attendance of 85% (eighty-five per cent).
You can check the Attendance & Punctuality Policy here: https://liffeycollege.ie/attendance-punctuality/

Learners who fail to achieve a minimum of 85% (eighty-five per cent) will not be allowed to sit final examinations and will face disciplinary procedures, up to and including Expulsion from Liffey College, which will result in their being reported to the corresponding higher authorities and may result in their studies/stay in Ireland being curtailed.

The college is obliged to produce evidence of any learner’s attendance record to higher authorities at any time if requested to do so. The college is also obliged to report regular or long-term absences to GNIB/INIS, in compliance with the law of the country, as well as regulations pertaining to internationalisation register courses and Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

Therefore, the learner is responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to the college to substantiate the reasons for their absence. It is essential that the college be notified as soon as possible if a learner cannot attend classes.

Medical absence is only authorised upon presentation of a medical certificate from a registered Irish Registered GP and/or Irish hospital. Only original (not photocopied) documents will be accepted. Learners must submit the medical certificate immediately upon receipt via scanned copy to the college email address. (info@liffeycollege.ie). The college can request originals to be presented and reserves the right to have documents verified for authenticity. Providing false documentation may render a learner to immediate expulsion.

Absence due to a GNIB/IRP/PPSN appointment, if proof is provided (such as the registration appointment confirmation with the relevant date) in a timely manner, may also be considered justified. Classes missed due to bank appointments will not be considered justified. Please note that a justified absence applies to the entire day(s) indicated on the documentation; justified absences cannot be given for only one part/session of the class. For example, learners cannot receive a justified absence for part 1/first session and normal attendance for part 2/second session. The justified absence will be for the day.

Learners who miss class due to illness or a IRP/GNIB/PPSN appointment will still be marked absent; their attendance percentage will decrease, but, as they are considered justified, the absences will not count towards warnings or expulsion.

  • To be considered, documentation such as medical certificates must be provided prior to and not after expulsion. Providing fake documents and/or medical certificates may render a learner liable to immediate expulsion.
  • Uncertified absence(s) will result in the learner being absent without justification. No authorisation will be granted for casual absence.
  • At the end of their programme, a learner’s attendance, together with information related to exams and/or any other relevant documents must be submitted to the GNIB and/or INIS for review.

Among the reasons absences are considered justified by the college are the following:

  • Death or major illness in a learner’s immediate family. Immediate family may include: mother, father, sister, brother, grandparents, spouse, child, spouse’s child, spouse’s parents, spouse’s grandparents, step-mother, step-father, step-sister, step-brother, step-grandparents, grandchild, step-grandchild, legal guardian, and others as deemed appropriate by Learner Welfare Officers.
  • Illness of a dependent family member.
  • Participation in legal proceedings or administrative procedures that require a learner’s presence.
  • Injury or illness that is too severe and/or contagious for the learner to attend class (With the provision of relevant medical certificate/s).

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

The Operations Department will issue formal warnings in cases of low attendance.

Formal Verbal Warning Formal Verbal Warning

If a learner does not satisfy the 85% (eighty-five percent) attendance requirement, a formal face-to-face verbal warning will be issued. (The learner will be contacted by telephone or by email in the event that a face-to-face warning is not possible.)

As with subsequent warnings (see below), the verbal warning will advise the learner of the reason(s) for the warning, of the seriousness of the issue, and the possible consequences should it continue.

First Written Warning via Email First Written Warning via Email

Should attendance not improve over the following week, a first written warning will be issued via email.

Final Written Warning via Email Final Written Warning via Email

Should attendance still not improve, a final written warning will be sent via e-mail.

Suspension Notice via Email & Submit a Written Appeal by Learner Suspension Notice via Email & Submit a Written Appeal by Learner

Supension

  • If the learner continues to be absent after receipt of the final written warning, they will be sent the Suspension notice will be sent via e-mail.
  • Please note that Suspension does not mean that a learner cannot attend class; on the contrary they should attend 100% until they reach the required attendance of 85% (eighty five percent).

Appeal

  • At the Suspension stage learners must submit a written Appeal in order to justify their poor attendance. Appropriate documentation must also be provided (if applicable).
  • Upon receipt of the Suspension notice, learners will have a time limit of one (1) week to submit an Appeal.
  • The Appeal must be submitted online via the Appeal Form available from the Liffey College Online System. Any appropriate documentation should be uploaded via the same online form.
  • The Appeal is the learner’s last chance to provide any justification and/or documentation (if applicable) to justify their absences.

Expulsion Notice via Email & Exit Letter will be sent to Immigration Expulsion Notice via Email & Exit Letter will be sent to Immigration

  • Should a learner, after receiving warnings up to and including Suspension, continue to fail to comply with college policies, the learner will be expelled from Liffey College. An Exit Letter will be sent to GNIB/INIS, with a copy sent to the learner.
  • Liffey College views expulsion as the final stage, should a learner’s attendance, progress, and/or behaviour fail to adhere to our policies and codes.
  • Learners with less than 25% attendance in the first 6 weeks of class will be expelled by the College without a chance to warnings and/or appeal and GNIB/INIS will be informed of their expulsion.
  • In the event of expulsion, students are not entitled to a refund of the course fees or any other fees.

Responsible Department Responsible Department

Operations Department (Mr. Haseeb Ahmed)

Telephone: +353 (0)1 444 4447

Email: info@liffeycollege.ie