Update policies.md

Updated attendance and "minimal tech" policy for regular lab students

policies.md

@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ Students may switch formats at two points throughout the semester (1) during the
 
 _Regular Lab_
 
-Regular lab meetings are two hours long. The first hour focuses on the discussion worksheet and group problem-solving. There will be *no technology allowed* during this portion of the lab (all materials required will be available at the lab section). The second hour is dedicated to completing the programming-based lab assignment. **80% of lab credit will be attendance-based. The remaining 20% of credit will be awarded for submitting the lab to Gradescope by the Friday 5 pm deadline with all public test cases passing.** Discussion worksheets do not need to be submitted. Active participation in the discussion and lab is required to earn attendance credit.
+Regular lab meetings are two hours long. The first hour focuses on the discussion worksheet and group problem-solving. Staff highly encourages *minimal technology use* during this portion of the lab (all materials required will be available at the lab section). The second hour is dedicated to completing the programming-based lab assignment. **80% of lab credit will be attendance-based. The remaining 20% of credit will be awarded for submitting the lab to Gradescope by the Friday 5 pm deadline with all public test cases passing.** To earn attendance credit, students must attend the entire discussion and lab section unless they have approval from their GSI to arrive late or leave early. Failure to attend the entire section without prior communication will result in losing attendance credit for that week.
 
 Students will be awarded two lab drops to use in the event of extenuating circumstances that prevent them from attending the lab in person. To use a lab drop, you must message your GSI at least one hour prior to the start of your lab, informing them that you will not be in attendance. *Note that lab drops are expected to be used only in the case of illness, emergencies, or other circumstances that prevent you from attending*. For specific concerns related to your lab section, contact your GSI.