Over the past few weeks, several students have contacted the Students’ Union after receiving attendance warning emails stating that their attendance had fallen below 80%. We understand that for many students this has been worrying especially for those who know they have been attending their classes.
These concerns were first raised with the University in late October. Following further meetings with Registry Services on 25 November 2025, the University has now provided a formal written response to the concerns raised by students and Course Representatives. Please find the confirmed update below.
Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is important for student success. Attending classes helps students to:
Stay on top of their learning
Engage with lecturers and peers
Access academic and wellbeing support early
The University monitors attendance not to penalise students, but to check in when additional support may be needed.
Attendance is also considered alongside wider student engagement, including:
This is why the policy is called the Attendance & Engagement Policy.
For full details about how, attendance is monitored and how wider student engagement is considered, you can read the University’s Student Attendance & Engagement Policy here: Student attendance policy
What’s Been Happening
After listening to student concerns, (PRECIOUS) the Student Voice Leader for Academic Experience, Faculty Student Leads and the student voice team raised this issue directly with the University’s Timetabling and Attendance Team and Registry Services.
The University has confirmed that:
The recent emails were sent following the increase in the minimum attendance requirement to 80%.
Some students’ attendance may not have been recorded correctly due to ID card swipe errors or technical issues, including:
Swiping too early or too late
Swiping in the wrong room
Faulty or invalid ID cards
Card readers not working properly
In response, the University has:
Prioritised the repair of faulty card readers
Instructed staff to manually record attendance in SAP where readers are not working
Reviewed and strengthened internal processes
Reassurance About Impact on Students
The University has formally confirmed that:
As long as students are attending their timetabled sessions, they will NOT be negatively impacted by technical or recording errors beyond their control.
This applies to:
This policy is designed to be supportive, not punitive.
What the Attendance Letters Mean (Letters 1 & 2)
An initial attendance letter is a supportive measure, not a punishment. It is sent so the University can:
Students who submitted the attendance form after Letter 1 were intended to be excluded from Letter 2. However, some students still received Letter 2 because:
Their attendance had not improved in the system
Swipes were recorded early, late, or in the wrong location
If you believe your attendance is above 80% but you received a letter in error, you must:
This confirms your engagement and ensures you are not negatively impacted.
Faulty Card Readers & Manual Attendance
Students will not be disadvantaged due to broken or faulty card readers
Where readers are not working, staff have been instructed to manually record attendance in SAP
Faulty card readers should be reported immediately so repairs can be prioritised
Dedicated Attendance Support (Who Students Should Contact)
Students with attendance queries should contact their Faculty Attendance Email:
Business & Law (BAL): BALattendance@dmu.ac.uk
Health & Life Sciences (HLS): HLSattendance@dmu.ac.uk
Technology, Arts & Culture (TAC): TAC.attendance@dmu.ac.uk
DMU London: dmulondon@dmu.ac.uk
Full policy guidance: Student attendance policy
Attendance-related queries are supported through the central Student Advice Centre (SAC), which is part of the University’s Library Services. This helps ensure students receive consistent guidance regardless of their faculty. Students may be directed internally by the University where appropriate.
Upcoming Student Communications
The University’s next official student communication will go out on 1st December.
Channels include: Email, My DMU App Notifications and social media.
Course Reps and DSU are encouraged to help share these messages positively.
Extra Student Support Available
We’re Here to Help
We understand that receiving an attendance email can be worrying particularly for students who know they have been attending their sessions. Please be reassured that:
This issue has been formally investigated
Clear support routes are now in place
Students will not be unfairly penalised for technical errors
If you’re still experiencing difficulties, please reach out.
Your Students’ Union is here to ensure your voice is heard and the right support is in place.