Hi Gregg: In principle, "one cannot learn if they're not present". Insitutional policies sometimes seem like they interfere with assigning the most accurate grade, especially if they have a set grading scale and cannot account for class participation or attendence status. So, As creative workers we are, we learn to adapt to our criteria given us and make due. I can say this: if a teacher is prepared and doing their best, the grades will less importnat than the learning that occurs. Regards, Barry