Before attending IE, attendance was not my strong suit. Throughout high school, I frequently skipped class, and when I did attend, I was almost always drastically late. This habit only worsened during my senior year. But to me, it didn’t seem like a big deal—I was doing well academically, so I couldn’t see why it mattered if I showed up physically.
But, like most things, my choices eventually caught up with me. I received disciplinary infractions, and had a letter sent home, outlining just how much class I had missed in the first semester. It came with a clear warning: If I didn’t start attending more classes, I would not be allowed to participate in senior activities such as prom and graduation.
I remember feeling frustrated at the time. Why was the school so focused on attendance when I was passing all my classes? Weren’t there bigger issues to deal with? Nevertheless, I did want to participate in senior activities, so I begrudgingly started showing up more often. Everything worked out in the end, but my mindset didn’t change.
Adjusting to new expectations:
When I arrived at IE, I was surprised to learn about the 80% attendance policy. I was under the impression that we would have more freedom over our schedules. After all, university is supposed to give us more independence.
At first, I struggled with the policy. As an international university that places strong value on students being able to experience different cultures and have global experiences, it seems counterintuitive to restrict students’ ability to travel or engage with the world outside of campus. But like anyone who doesn’t want to risk failing, I followed the rules.
Fast forward to today, and while I wouldn’t say I’ve become someone who lives by a strict “never miss a day” rule, my perspective on attendance has definitely shifted. I’m not going to pretend that I eagerly jump out of bed for every single class or that 8:30 a.m. lectures are suddenly my favorite part of the day. But through showing up consistently, I’ve started to realize that attendance is about more than just being physically present—it’s about committing to the responsibilities that come with the choices we’ve made. In this case, attending IE University.
Attending class regularly has forced me to develop a stronger sense of discipline. There are plenty of days when I’d rather sleep in or prioritize something else, but making the choice to show up—despite those feelings—has helped me build a routine that mirrors the kind of commitment expected in the real world. It’s about building the habit of being accountable. As much as I disliked the idea initially, I can now see how this kind of consistency prepares us for life beyond university, where showing up matters whether or not we feel like it that day.
That said, I’m not trying to argue that attendance is the single most important factor in academic or professional success. There’s room for flexibility, especially when it comes to balancing academic life with the countless opportunities IE students have to travel, network, and explore. But I’ve come to understand that showing does offer its own value.
Challenges of a Rigid System
As much as I’ve slowly grown to respect the attendance policy, there are clear areas where it needs improvement. The rigid structure doesn’t account for the realities of our diverse student body. I’ve heard stories of students being penalized for missing class due to medical or family emergencies, even when they provided documentation. While I understand the purpose of the 20% absence allowance (meant to cover worst-case scenarios), it doesn’t reflect the circumstances many of us face— most of us living thousands of kilometers from home.
We come from all over the world, and the university promotes internationalism, yet the policy makes it difficult for us to travel to see family or explore the opportunities that brought us here in the first place. I fully understand that traveling is a privilege but it is also a fundamental part of the international experience that IE itself encourages students to take advantage of. There are countless opportunities outside of school such as conferences that students have been lucky enough to be invited to, yet because of scheduling conflicts, they were forced to miss.
In addition to the lack of mobility we have during the semester, the attendance policy also hinders students on the Segovia campus’s ability to attend career developing events in the IE Tower. While the university offers countless opportunities to engage with leaders across industries the reality is that most of these events are held in Madrid, making it difficult for Segovia students to participate when we have at least an hour commute to Madrid and classes to attend. So, students are often forced to choose between attending these events or going to class.
The 80% attendance rule doesn’t account for the importance of these extracurricular activities, which are not just “optional” experiences, but also important opportunities for professional development. These events go beyond what’s taught in the classroom and give students a taste of what’s currently happening in many industries. The system as it is now effectively discourages Segovia students from participating in these experiences because the cost—using up absences—is too high.
Ultimately, we are here for more than just a degree—we’re here for an international experience and the chance to engage in both academic and professional growth. The attendance policy, as it stands, limits our ability to fully immerse ourselves in everything the university has to offer. A more flexible approach is needed, one that acknowledges the demands of a global student body while maintaining academic standards. By reforming this policy, IE can empower students to take advantage of their time here—both inside and outside the classroom.
Featured Image: Clockly
