Policy Consultation and Approval Process
Summary of Comments Received during the Formal Review Phase
Missed Classes for University Sponsored or Sanctioned Activities and Makeup Work
(Policy Title)
Individual Comments
I know the missed class policy is up for comment.
I have had several issues with Athletics using this policy for their graduate assistants in
athletic training as a way for them to miss required classes.
My interpretation of the policy is that it applies to the “players” or the “participants” are
the players of the given the sport and not those working the sport as support staff.
Perhaps the policy revision could make this more clear.
Some faculty in Human Performance (including me) have had a problem with Graduate
Assistants in Athletics missing classes and claiming that they are protected under this
policy. Though these are student, they are being used to cover athletic events as part of
their work as a GA and at times, they are filling in for Athletic Training staff. We do not
excuse graduate students from classes because of other work assignments on or off
campus ("I'm sorry I have to miss class but I have been scheduled to work at Cub Foods
next Tuesday afternoon."). Many times these absences are last minute due to
competition-related changes. This policy is being cited as reasons why we have to accept
the absences as "excused". I do not feel this is correct.
I think the policy need to clarify who exactly is covered or not covered. I think exclusions
should include Athletic Training graduate assistants or any student athletic trainers.
Group Comments (Note: some comments may also have been submitted as
individual comments above)
UCAP Sub-Meet
There was a fair amount of discussion of this policy in terms of the language used.
Language is important to convey the meaning of the policy. For example, example the
language in procedure 3 that states “Unless the instructor and the student make other
arrangements, all makeup work is to be completed prior to the approved absence”
basically says it is up to the student and the instructor to work out a deal for makeup
work. If that is the intent, it really does not add much to the policy and is no different
than the manner in which faculty handle other student absences and makeups.
In addition to the general comment regarding more careful language selection, two
specific comments emerged. The first was a question regarding which activities fell
under the policy and a suggestion to provide greater clarity. Is it simply those specific
activities identified in the policy or do other activities *e.g., student attendance at
professional conferences) also fall under the policy?
The second comment is a suggestion that the word “unit” be substituted for
“departments” where appropriate. Some of the sanctioned activities (e.g., athletics and
forensics) are not academic departments.