Zero-Tolerance for Tardiness

Attention all continuing education students taking classes for bail bond license renewal

The State of Missouri, Department of Insurance (DIFP) has instituted a zero-tolerance policy in regard to tardiness. In a memo dated February 8th, the DIFP directed all continuing education providers to flunk all students who were tardy after lunch or breaks. The memo states: “It does not matter how late the student may be, whether it is 5 minutes or an hour, a Certificate of Course Completion cannot be given to that person. You should immediately make the person aware that they will not receive credit if they choose to stay for the remainder of the class.” In other words, there is no such thing as an excused tardy. If you are five minutes late to class, credit will not be awarded. You may not stay late and write on the chalk-board to make up your time. The memo further warns instructors that failure to comply with these policy guidelines will result in revocation of provider approval in Missouri.

I think the Missouri General Assembly should adopt a zero-tolerance for tardiness in the chambers. (Those warning chimes in the halls of the Capitol are not just there to make your ears ring.) And while we are at it, sounds like a good policy for the workplace, too. Maybe Governor Blunt should follow the DIFP’s lead; it could save the State lots of money if every employee who returned late from lunch or break would not receive credit if they chose to stay the remainder of the day.

Here are some tips to help you successfully complete your state required training. (Remember, if you are late you will fail the class and forfeit your $150 fee.)
1) First and foremost, synchronize your watches. You don’t want to fail a class because your instructor’s watch runs fast.

2) Limit fluid intake. Long lines at the bathroom during the 10-minute break could cost you the class.
3) If you MUST go to the bathroom, dart to the bathroom as soon as the instructor releases you. You don’t want to be in line behind someone who ate a greasy burger for lunch.
4) DO NOT eat lunch at a sit-down restaurant. You have no control over how soon your food will be served. Eat fast-food. Of course this may cause problems with number 3. You could also fast for the day, along with limiting fluid intake.
5) Weigh all emergency phone calls against the cost and time in the class. (If they are already dead, it can certainly wait.)