One of the biggest differences between college classes and high school classes is the attendance policy. In high school, attendance is mandatory or you can expect detention or suspension. College doesn’t have punishments like detention, but don’t be fooled — missing class in college may not be a law-breaking offense, but professors still find ways to entice (or force) students to come to class.

Professors will often tell students during the first day of the semester that they are allowed to miss a certain number of classes before it will begin to affect their grade.

“I have a four-class limit,” says Miranda Arana, World Music instructor. “If my students miss more than four classes, their grade will suffer. I believe a student must be in class to learn.”

Not every professor feels the same as Arana.

“I honestly don’t mind if a student misses class,” says Brandon Uribe, health and exercise science professor. “It is their grade. They get out of the class what they put into the class.”

Some classes don’t have attendance policies (typically large lecture classes like Understanding Art), but that doesn’t mean you should skip class a lot. If it’s a larger class and you know people who can take notes for you then missing isn’t as big of a deal. (Though courtesy dictates that you should alternate with friends on skipping. No one person should be the sole note-taker.) If it’s a smaller class in which absences will affect participation points, which typically comprise anywhere from 10-15 percent of a total grade, it obviously could turn out badly if you miss.

“I skip class at least once a week,” says Adam Streets, finance and accounting senior. “My professors really don’t care even though they say they do. I have never had a grade lowered because of attendance.”

Still, don’t feel like you’re alone if you feel compelled to go to class.

“I generally try to go to every class because you never know what you are going to miss,” says Wes Franklin, business senior. “At the end of the day you will thank yourself for not skipping.”

When it comes to going to class, it all goes back to one principle — you get out of college what you put into it.

Hitting the snooze button instead of getting up for that 8 a.m. class in Sarkeys likely won’t kill your grade, but there’s also something to be said for earning your professors’ respect and absorbing the material in person.

Of course, a lot of things are fine in moderation, skipping included.