<p>"Actually each instructor at each U can set his/her individual policy RE attendance. "</p>
<p>Not entirely true. I am required by my department to fail any student who misses more than five classes. Anything less than that, it's my call. (These are classes required by the university.)</p>
<p>In my previous positions, attendance penalties were completely up to me. I suppose it depends on the university, the department, the professor, and whether the course is required.</p>