While you should attend every timetabled teaching event, we understand that there are times when this isn't possible.
Where you attendance drops below the expected minimum as per the policy, the University will reach out and signpost you to our various support services. Where an absence or poor attendance continues, you'll be invited to discuss your situation with a member of your programme team. Where there is a continued lack of appropriate attendance with no appropriate rationale, the University will consider whether you should continue on your studies. In such circumstances, the University has an obligation to inform external stakeholders, such as SLC, SAAS or UKVI.
If you have been - or are going to be - absent for a period of more than one teaching week (for the majority of students that equates to five days) it's important you let us know by completing this short online form.
Please remember that all formal communications from the University will be sent to your GCU email account and that it's important that you check this regularly.
For international students studying in the UK on a study-sponsored visa, a lack of attendance may result in the University no longer being able to sponsor your visa. This means you will have to return home and suspend/withdraw from your studies.
When first using the SEAtS app, it may request permission to access location data. However, you do not need to provide access to location services and if you have previously granted access it can be revoked.
No location data is stored either by SEAtS or GCU, but if you have concerns follow these instructions for turning off location service permissions for the SEAtS app
Seats accessibility statement
Why is the University recording my attendance?
Unlike school or college, at University you are ultimately responsible for your own learning experience. This starts with taking an active part in both teaching and extra-curricular sessions, engaging with your peers, and proactively seeking help from staff if you feel lost, or things become difficult.
You'll set yourself up for success by prioritising your academic work, attending regularly, engaging with study materials and actively participating in all available teaching and learning opportunities. There is lots of support available at GCU to help you, both academically and personally.
A major aspect of engaging at University is through attending your scheduled classes. As such, GCU has an attendance and engagement policy which lays out the expectations of students and interventions and actions that will take place when a student fails to meet the minimum expected level of attendance.
Where do I download the app?
The SEAtS Mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. We recommend you download this before your classes begin so it is ready to use right away.
How do I record my attendance at a class held on campus?
For on-campus classes, please scan the QR code displayed in the classroom,
I have an online class, how do I record my attendance there?
For classes held online, your lecturer will display a QR code for you to scan, or provide a code to enter into the SEAtS app.
How can I view my attendance details?
You can view your attendance details via the SEAtS app.
I arrived late at a class, will my attendance be recorded?
It's important to arrive in good time for the start of each class. Arriving late causes a disturbance to others and means that you've missed part of the class.
You can record your attendance between 10 minutes before and up to 15 minutes after the start time of a class. If you arrive late or forget to scan the QR code after the 15 minutes time, your attendance will not be recorded.
I do not own a smart phone and therefore cannot use the app, how can my attendance be recorded
If you do not own a phone that can access the app, you can ask your lecturer to record your attendance on your behalf.
I am not well and unable to attend classes, how do I inform the University and will this impact my attendance record?
We know things don't always go to plan. You can record your own absence here. You may be asked to provide proof of your absence, and may be asked to attend a meeting if you have a large number of absences to discuss whether you need to take a break from your studies until you are well enough to fully engage.
I am an international student, how does my attendance affect my ability to study in the UK
For international students studying in the UK on a study-sponsored visa, a lack of attendance may result in the University no longer being able to sponsor your visa, meaning you will have to return home and suspend/withdraw from your studies.
I have classes missing from my SEATs app and therefore not able to record my attendance at some classes, what do I do?
The data in SEAtS is linked to your personal timetable in Celcat. If a module or class is missing, then you should contact your Programme Coordinator to check that you are registered on the correct modules you are undertaking and where necessary updates to the system will be made.
I have classes appearing on the SEAtS app that I am not actually due to attend, and I am being marked as absent therefore affecting my overall attendance percentage. What should I do?
The data in SEAtS is linked to your personal timetable in Celcat. If a module or class is missing, then you should contact your Programme Coordinator to check that you are registered on the correct modules you are undertaking and where necessary updates to the system will be made.
I have changed a seminar group, however, my old class is showing on Celcat and SEATs, what do I do?
Only formally approved changes will be reflected in SEAtS and Celcat, which, due to a number of factors are only approved in exceptional circumstances. It's important that you only attend the classes/groups that you are formally to and expected to attend.
If you have a question regarding your attendance at classes, please contact your Programme Coordinator.
If you have an issue with installing and accessing the SEAtS app, please contact the IS helpdesk.