University Policies Regarding Classroom Absences
From Christopher Hudgins, Chair of the UNLV English Department:
"For a variety of reasons, the administration has decided that we must more strictly adhere to System and University guidelines with regard to academic faculty absences from their classes. The administration is quite serious about this University policy, newly formulated and newly specific - which is attached below for your perusal.
"In sum, whenever you must miss a class, either because of illness or because of attendance at a professional conference, you must file a leave request and you must either make up the class at a later date, or provide a reasonable substitute assignment - a specific research project, a take-home essay exam, a proctored examination, etc. The policy attached below includes a number of examples of such activity.
"Our teaching staff has almost always been very responsible about such matters. You'll need to continue to notify the Department offices as soon as you possibly can when you know that you will not be able to make it to a class in case of illness. That way, of course, we'll be able to post a notice on your classroom door to alert your students. When you return, you can deal with a make-up date or an alternate assignment with your class.
"IN ADDITION, NOW YOU WILL NEED TO FILL OUT A LEAVE FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER YOUR ABSENCE FROM CLASS. IN THE EVENT THAT YOU ARE MISSING CLASS FOR A CONFERENCE, YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO FILL OUT APPROPRIATE TRAVEL FORMS PRIOR TO YOUR LEAVING, EVEN IF THE TRIP IS NOT UNIVERISTY-FUNDED. WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN ONE OF THESE SITUATIONS, PLEASE GET THE FORM FROM THE DOCUMENT ATTACHED BELOW OR FROM THE DEPARTMENT OFFICE. PLEASE TURN IN THESE COMPLETED FORMS DIRECTLY TO SUSAN OR MICHELE IN OUR MAIN OFFICE.
"We are centralizing these records in the main office of the Department because of the seriousness with which the administration is taking this issue. I expect to be audited on this matter, and we'll need to have these records all in one readily available spot. ...
"I recognize that this new policy is an inconvenience, but I hope it will be a minor one for you. I have been told in no uncertain terms that it is essential for us to abide by the policy -- and I appreciate your help in our implementing the record-keeping entailed."
From Michael W. Bowers, UNLV Vice Provost for Academic Affairs:
re: Missed Classes and/or Other Absences From Duty Policy (Academic Faculty)
Below, you can find "the above-referenced policy that was signed [10/31/05] by President Harter and Dr. Alden. This policy has been approved by the Council of Deans and the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. The policy is effective immediately, and needs to be distributed to all academic faculty (including part-time instructors and graduate assistants) and any other employees who may be affected by this policy (e.g., leave keepers).
"In addition, please post this policy in the department/unit offices and in any other locations you may feel are appropriate. We appreciate your cooperation in distributing this new policy. NOTE: This policy will also be posted on the Executive Vice President and Provost Office's website in the very near future. See http://www.unlv.edu/Provost/Policies.htm.
"If you have any questions, please feel free to contact" the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at either 702 895 3301 or kristene.fisher@unlv.edu.
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