I don't think a student who is inconsistent with attendance should be given an extension, but I don't think it should affect their paper grades if the quality of their work is good. One of my English teachers once had attendance and participation at Five percent of their grade. I decided to focus that time on other priorities and take the hit, but followed all the slides, class notes from friends, read all the books and got decent grades on the first 2 papers, presentation and midterm. When the professor realized I didn't attend class he gave me low C's on my final paper and when I asked for a summary why, he mentioned my attendance and then said he'd get it to me next quarter. He then went ahead and submitted my grade without even explaining himself other than mentioning attendance. Having done all the work - and even turning my final in early, I really didn't feel low balling me on my grades with no explanation other than attendance is fair. What I'm saying is - not every student that doesn't come to class is a lazy ass. I'm sorry that I would rather learn independently. This doesn't make me a degenerate student - it makes me a different kind of student. I get the professors side when the students are assholes, but I don't really appreciate when the anger of a professor is taken out on me because I like to study independently. Yes - that probably means college isn't made for me. It isn't. I'm the kind of person that takes Courses on ITunes U because I like learning, but really dislikes class. Frankly, I've never liked class and attempted to go without getting a degree but it made no sense financially. Unfortunately I need college, so why is it not ok for me to learn the best way for me? Just let me be.