Teaching is a fundamental part of the mission of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the faculty of the college has a long and proud tradition of excellence in instruction. This document describes the critical role of instructional continuity, both in terms of meeting classes as well as consistency in mode of course delivery. Visit the Policies and Procedures Related to Instructional Continuity webpage for more information.
As stated in the Bylaws of the Board of Regents within Section 4.1 (f), faculty are expected to “fulfill the assigned time schedule of all classes, including quizzes, laboratories, tests, and other meetings, unless absence is caused by an emergency or approved university business.” The College of Arts and Sciences recognizes that the expectation that classes meet as scheduled as often as possible is a minimal prerequisite for quality instruction and student academic success.
However, the college also recognizes the reality that professional obligations, personal or family emergencies, illness, and religious holidays occasionally require faculty to miss classes.
- In the case of planned absences, it is expected that the chairs/directors and students be notified as far in advance as possible and that arrangements are made for covering or making up missed instruction, and whenever possible, courses are taught at the times and in the format that are listed in the official course schedule. Informing units of instructional absences and plans for coverage or makeup of missed instructional duties is a professional responsibility and an expectation of the college.
- In the case of unplanned absences, the goal is to ensure students remain on track in terms of meeting learning outcomes. It is expected that the instructor of record will notify students as soon as possible via a communication through the learning management system; notify the unit(s) by e-mail or phone message as soon as possible; and make up the missed contact hour(s) or provide the missed course material.
As of the Fall 2022 academic semester, the university has returned to a focus on in-person teaching with the exception of courses approved for distance delivery. Web conferencing is no longer an endorsed mode of course delivery during the regular academic year and should only be used when approved by Faculty/Staff Disability Services. Limited hybrid options involving a blend of in-person and distance instruction, the latter involving asynchronous delivery of materials, may become available in the future based upon advance approval.
See Policies and Procedures Related to Instructional Continuity for more information about Memorandum of Absence and requirements for faculty members and departments in relation to planned and unplanned absences.