IAP ATTENDANCE POLICY 

The integrated curriculum and the interdependent and collegial nature of the Bard Instrumental Arts Program make attendance at, and promptness to, all classes, lessons, rehearsals and required performances mandatory. 

Early departures for, or late returns from, vacations – whether for reasons of reduced travel cost or for another reason – are not considered valid excuses for missing classes, rehearsals, or performances. At all non-curricular events involving IAP colleagues, whether on-campus or off, your presence is strongly encouraged.

Medical appointments should be scheduled outside of class or rehearsal time if at all possible. If such an appointment must interfere with a class or rehearsal please contact your professor. 

In the case of brief absences (one day or less) due to illness or family emergency, you must notify your instructor immediately by phone or email. Failure to notify the instructor may be considered an unexcused absence. 

Unexcused absences or excessive tardiness may result in grade penalties, loss of scholarship, probation or, in extreme cases, dismissal from the program. 

Absences for Professional Activities 

Any absence for outside professional activities (even very brief periods of time, e.g., auditions, performances, etc.) must be discussed with the Director of the Conservatory, Frank Corliss. 

* Important: Students should not accept outside professional engagements that occur during the school year without first receiving permission from the Co-Directors of the department. 

Short Term Professional Leave 

Leaves for a period of time not to exceed two weeks (accumulated) of missed classes or curricular activities per academic year will be considered for students in excellent academic standing. Before requesting leaves, students should consider carefully how their absence might affect their educational progress and the educational progress of their colleagues. In general, absences that could adversely affect the overall curriculum or group performances will most likely not be granted. 

Long Term Professional Leave 

Students in excellent academic standing may request a long-term leave of one or two semesters. Students receiving permission to take a long-term leave may re-enter the program without re-auditioning. Students who do not return to school at the agreed upon date after their leave must re-apply and re-audition in order to return to the program. 

Requests for Long Term Professional Leave should be submitted well in advance to Frank Corliss, with the Graduate Programs Coordinator copied. If the leave is approved, the student has up to five years from his/her date of matriculation to complete the Master’s degree. In addition, the student is responsible for an annual maintenance of status fee of $500 or $250 per semester. Students who fail to maintain their status may be required to reapply to the program in order to complete course work for graduation. Students on an approved leave of absence maintain a Bard email account and access to campus facilities, including access to the library’s electronic subscriptions.