CASES

1. Unavoidable schedule conflicts that warrant consideration; Personal/familial obligation that is also top priority.

Q: "I have a schedule conflict for the following two dates [...]. My daughter is [...]. I have no one to pick her up or bring her home except for me at that time. So I will have to miss about the first 45-50 minutes. Do I show up late or not at all? What is your suggestion?"

A: Thanks for letting me know of your situation in advance. I would advise you to come to class, anyway, as swiftly as you can manage on those days. It is important to try and not to miss any class, whether it's first or last or anywhere in between. [...] Every class minute will be worthwhile, even if you manage to catch only the second half or so; also after class, we can have a quick chat, which will help you stay up-to-date and motivated. First day is [...] the most important, contrary to the popular myth about the practical uselessness of it. Even if the class ends very early on that day, I will be in my office during the designated class time, so you can always come and get the relevant information from me, on-site. cf. Attendance\Showing Up Late; in this case, the students will not be penalised as long as he or she does comes to class; if the student does not show up, he or she is regarded as using one excused absence. 

2. Why a deadline is a dead-line: a recurring theme in life including the life of a student.

Q: Dr. Lee, you seem obsessed with time restrictions and deadlines. Odd, where's room for creativity and originality you are also on about?

A: "being obsessed with time restrictions": that, if devoid of content, is indeed a counterproductive pathology, but there's a very thin line between obsession and restriction; even thinner is a line between restriction and production.  An egg must be shelled in order to hatch.