(Students enrolled in Dutch-taught programmes at the Faculty of Law are referred to the Dutch-language page.)
Starting at the university can be overwhelming. Academic education is fundamentally different from other forms of education, such as pre-university (vwo) or higher professional education (hbo).
To participate professionally in the academic (legal) field, it is essential to develop certain skills during your studies. These skills are primarily taught, practiced, and assessed in seminar groups. Each course includes at least one learning objective focused on this. Without active participation in seminar groups, this objective cannot be achieved.
Attendance requirements also help you establish a good study rhythm and get to know fellow students and lecturers more quickly, helping you navigate your program more effectively. By actively participating and preparing thoroughly, you will also master the study material more efficiently.
This increases your chances of academic success and success in your future career.
Who is required to attend?
From September 1st, attendance is mandatory for seminar groups. This applies to all students participating in first-year courses of the Bachelor Law In Society. This includes:
- Students from other programs taking these courses.
- Students retaking a first-year course in 2025–2026.
What does the attendance requirement involve?
The attendance requirement consists of three components:
- Preparation for the seminar group, which means:
- Submitting the preparatory assignment(s) on time, and;
- Having them approved by the seminar instructor, and;
- Bringing them (digitally or on paper) to the seminar group.
- Being present on time and for the full duration of the seminar group.
- Actively participating in the activities during the seminar group.
Details may vary per course, so always consult the course manual on Canvas to know exactly what is expected from you.
If you fail to meet one or more of these components, you will be marked as absent for that specific seminar group.
What if you can’t attend?
You are expected to attend all seminar groups. However, we understand that situations beyond your control may occasionally prevent you from preparing for or attending a session. To account for this, you are generally allowed to be marked as absent twice per course. If you are marked absent more than twice, you will not be allowed to take the exam or the resit.
Note: Details may vary per course. Scheduling may also change at any time. Always check the current schedule at rooster.vu.nl. The attendance requirement remains in effect.
How is attendance registered?
During each seminar group, the instructor will display a QR code. Scan it using your phone or tablet camera. You’ll be redirected to Academy Attendance, where you log in with your VUnet ID. Once logged in, your attendance is recorded and immediately visible in Academy Attendance. The instructor can also take attendance manually.
If you can’t scan the QR code (e.g., due to a broken camera), Academy Attendance on your laptop, and enter the numeric code shown below the QR code.
You must be connected to one of VU’s Wi-Fi networks (e.g., Eduroam or VU-Campusnet) to do this.
If you’re unable to register your attendance during the seminar group for any reason, inform your instructor so they can manually record your attendance. Never use someone else’s device to register your attendance. This is considered fraudulent and flagged by the system.
Responsibility
You are personally responsible for your attendance records. You can view your real-time attendance status in Academy Attendance. Always check during each seminar group to ensure your attendance was properly recorded. This is crucial, because registrations may not be modified after the fact.
The attendance requirement is coordinated and enforced at faculty level. Course coordinators and instructors do not answer (individual) questions about attendance. Negotiating attendance is strictly prohibited.
Fraud
As stated in the code of conduct for Computer and Network use, students must handle their login credentials responsibly. These credentials may not be shared. Taking on a false identity (e.g., logging in for someone else or lending your VUnet ID) is considered unauthorized use of ICT facilities and violates the regulations. The Executive Board may take disciplinary action depending on the severity of the offense, including permanent expulsion from the program. If a criminal offense is suspected, VU may report it to the authorities.
Questions?
Are there any long-term or chronic (personal) circumstances affecting your studies or academic progress? If so, we strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with one of the academic advisors as soon as possible. Please note: the academic advisor does not reconsider or revise decisions regarding the attendance requirement.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t listed, please reach out to the Education Office (onderwijsbureau.rechten@vu.nl).