We, the students of IE University, are writing this petition to express our concern and opposition toward the recently suggested changes in the mandatory attendance policy. The decision to raise the mandatory attendance from 70% to 80% will have negative implications on students’ academic experience, well-being, and our overall experience as international students in this university. 

IE University has issued a decision to change its attendance requirement from 70% of a course to 80%. Normally, the courses are either 30 or 15 sessions, meaning students were allowed a maximum of 9 or 4 absences, respectively. These absences were to cover any and all issues that may come up to a student, including but not limited to; health problems (both physical and mental), family emergencies, visa/travel delays, and appointments.

The new mandatory attendance policy poses several challenges to us students, many of whom are international students already facing demanding academic schedules, personal and professional responsibilities and commitments. We are responsible for taking care of ourselves and our needs, which might overlap with some sessions, meaning we need the 30% previously allowed, if not more, to ensure that we are able to fulfill our responsibilities and ensure our mental and physical health. 

We have heard countless stories of offices refusing justified absences and being harsh towards students with valid excuses, forcing them to use their 30% for issues such as severe illnesses, surgery and even family deaths abroad. Further reducing this essential flexibility will only exacerbate the harm to students' physical and mental health at times when they are already struggling. 

We firmly urge the administration to reconsider this change and revoke the 80% mandatory attendance policy, maintaining the previous threshold, providing students with the flexibility to balance their academics with other important and unavoidable aspects of their lives. This policy is contradictory to IE University’s claims regarding the importance of students’ physical and mental well-being. 

Your support and signatures are vital in making our voices heard. We aim to maintain an environment and policies that value flexibility, support students' well-being, and foster academic success.