Dropout Prevention
Student Absenteeism Follow-Up
A student absenteeism follow-up is a short, caring conversation with a student who has been missing classes more than usual. Absences are rarely a simple lack of interest: they are often a signal of something else, such as health, transport, work, family duties, stress or a feeling of not belonging. The goal is to understand the reason and find a way back, not to sanction. Here are the questions to ask, from the first contact to the plan.
18 questions
When to use this template
- As soon as a pattern appears, such as several absences in a row or a regular absence on the same day, rather than waiting for the end of the term.
- When a student who was previously regular suddenly stops coming to class.
- After a long absence for illness or another reason, to help the student catch up and return smoothly.
Questions to ask
Opening and welcome
- 01Thank you for coming. How are you today?
- 02We have missed you in class, and I wanted to see how you are doing. Is that all right?
- 03Is there anything you would like to tell me before we talk about your attendance?
Understanding the absences
- 04What has made it difficult to come to class recently?
- 05Is it the same reason each time, or does it change?
- 06Are there particular courses or days you find harder to attend?
- 07How do you get to class, and does that cause problems?
Personal circumstances
- 08Is anything going on in your life at the moment that takes your time or energy, such as a job, family duties or health?
- 09How have you been feeling lately, physically and mentally?
- 10Do you feel comfortable in the class and with the group?
- 11Is anything about a course, a teacher or the way we teach making it hard for you to come?
Effects and catching up
- 12Which lessons or assignments have you missed that worry you?
- 13How do you feel about catching up?
- 14What would help you recover what you have missed?
Plan and support
- 15What would make it easier for you to come to class in the coming weeks?
- 16Would any adjustment help, such as a different timetable, online materials, or notes from a classmate?
- 17What can I or the school do from our side?
- 18When shall we check in again to see how it is going?
Tips for a useful conversation
- Start from concern, not from sanction: a student who feels accused will stop explaining, while a student who feels welcome will tell you the real reason.
- Ask about reasons with real curiosity and do not assume: the same absence can come from illness, a job, caring for a relative or a loss of motivation.
- Agree on a small, realistic plan with the student, such as attending the two courses that matter most this week, rather than demanding perfect attendance.
- Explain clearly the attendance rules that apply to the student's programme and any consequences, calmly and as information, not as a threat.
- If the absences are linked to serious difficulties, such as health problems, distress, housing or money worries, refer the student to the institution's support services and, if needed, offer to make the first contact with them.
Mistakes to avoid
- Opening the conversation with a list of missed sessions and a warning.
- Assuming that absences mean laziness or lack of interest.
- Waiting for many absences to pile up before getting in touch.
- Agreeing on a plan and then never checking whether it worked.
Let Passisto Students hold these conversations
The AI agent holds regular voice check-ins with your students and flags those who need help, so advisors can act early.