Class Time Modification and Absence Policy

This page pertains to articles 19.1.5 and 19.1.6 of the full-time faculty CBA, and article 10.1 of the part-time faculty CBA.

Please note that the University considers the Wednesday before Thanksgiving break to be a standard class day.

Modifications to the Scheduled Seat Time or Class Cancellations

Any modifications from the seat times established in the class syllabus (whether one-time or ongoing), cancellation of classes for any reasons, or modifications to the scheduled final exam, must have written Dean's Office approval. You should discuss your rationale for the change with your associate dean, who will assess its impact on student learning and educational experience, and on faculty workload. Depending on the circumstances, the associate dean may consult the College Curriculum Committee and/or your department chair. Any changes to the course instructional modality or in-person schedule (e.g. moving one or more class meetings from in-person or hyflex to remote, or adjusting a hybrid schedule so that listed in-person days are changed to remote, or vice versa) requires approval from your associate dean. 

Anticipated Absences

Any anticipated absence from class (for example, to attend a conference) must have prior Dean's approval. Please complete the Request to be Absent from Class form (previously a PDF form) at least two weeks prior to the absence. The form asks you to provide a rationale for your absence, and a plan to either provide a substitute instructor or otherwise make the class up. For replacement assignments, there should be an instructional component, which can include an alternative meeting or conference with students, instructor moderated online discussion (or pre-recorded video lecture, if appropriate), a tour or field visit guided by an appropriate instructor, or other discipline appropriate activities. Faculty should avoid substituting instructional time with additional assignments that may already be a part of the course expectations, or are otherwise additional "homework." Make sure to also include the signature of your department chair or program director. Anticipated absences should never result in class cancellations except under extreme circumstances. Please note that requiring your program assistant to proctor any kind of class activity as a substitute for you is not a viable option, as such duties are not in the OPE job description and thus cannot be allowed. The same is true for non-USF personnel, who may not proctor class activity without prior approval from the Dean.

Unanticipated Absences

If unexpected circumstances prevent you from making it to your class (such as illness or sudden emergency), you should contact your students if possible, and copy your program assistant (for Hilltop Campus faculty) or your Regional Campus Office Manager (for Regional Campus faculty). If you are unable to contact your students, please contact your program assistant or office manager, who will know the procedure to follow. If you are able to send an email, please also copy your associate dean's assistant. If you have special instructions for your students, you should pass them on to your program assistant or office manager. 

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these matters, please contact your associate dean.