Do professor cared about you being in class on time?

Hi Iris,

Some professors will care and some won't. Some will tell you they don't care, but will make negative judgments of you if you consistently show up late--or even show up just that once after the door's closed. There's a lot of difference here from person to person, which is a sign that this is a good chance for you to reach out to those professors to get their personal take. They might not only help you understand their perspective on lateness, but may have their own tips for being on time. Or, best of all, that conversation might develop into a positive relationship with that professor that could lead to opportunities to learn more deeply or find out what you want to pursue learning.

I guess since you asked this question, you are be worried about being late to class. That's another opportunity! If you don't like feeling that worry, there's some exploration of your self you can do to change that discomfort. I just read a really good book called "Focusing", by Eugene Gendlin, that helped me learn ways to deal with uncomfortable feelings like this and turn them into chances to grow as a person.

It's well worth it to understand why you're worried about being late and learn tools that work for you to manage that. Every job I've had requires me to work with people and everybody I've worked with wants me to be there on time. It makes their job easier and shows that I respect their time, so they're more inclined to help me in my work. It also makes me better at what I do if I'm not anxious about being late.

Some do, some don't. Sometimes it is the administration that cares. I went to a college that had card-readers and students had to "swipe" in and out! Assuming there is no technology in place, then it is at the professor's discretion. However, keep in mind that even if they tell you they don't care, they might still consider it disrespectful to not be on time.

I had a scheduling conflict. I was coming from work, 70 miles away, and my employer refused to allow me to use my vacation time to leave a few minutes early. It was going to be close. I talked to the professor, and she was okay with me being late. However, this was a Master's level course, and there is a lot more freedom at this level.

I encourage you to talk to your professors if you have a legitimate problem. By legitimate, I mean a scheduling conflict. If it is simply that you have a hard time being punctual to anything, don't expect them to be sympathetic. Punctuality is important in the working world, and the professors believe it is their job to prepare you to be functioning productive members of society!

Professors probably care less BUT once you start working, most likely your employer/manager will really care. Even if you are self employed and are habitually late to meetings/appointments, your Customers will care. Better to learn to be accountable for your punctuality early in life as it could haunt you later in your career.

In my experience it varies a lot from professor to professor. A lot of my professors only cared that you did not disrupt them or the class when you entered class late. I suggest showing up for the first day of class since that is typically when the professor will go over the syllabus and explain their expectations. The syllabus may answer the question of late attendance, but if not, you should feel free to ask the professor directly.

This depends on what school you go to and what your class size is. In general I would say yes. Professors often feel showing up late is disrespectful and distracting when they are giving a lecture. If you are in a big lecture hall you can probably sneak in late without being noticed, otherwise I would try to be on time.

Professors are also pretty understanding so if you know in advance that you're going to be late try to let them know. They might have other sessions you can attend or prep work that will ensure you don't miss anything.

If you wake up late or happen to be late once or twice don't worry about it, it happens to everyone. Just try not to make it a habit.

During syllabus week professors will go over their expectations for students so take notes and remember which professors are more relaxed and which are more strict.