Responsibilities Related to Excused Absence Policy
All members of the Lindenwood community have responsibilities to ensure that the Excused Absence Policy functions properly and efficiently for students, staff, and faculty. Below are the responsibilities of each party affected by or involved with the Excused Absence Policy:
Athletics Department
The Lindenwood Athletics Department should provide at least 48 hours’ advance written notice of student-athlete absences for an upcoming sporting event or sport-related activity. The notice should list the name of each student who will be absent from class or other University related event because the student is representing the University in an athletic event or function. If a situation arises in which 48 hours’ notice is not possible, the Athletics Department should notify the faculty of changes or additions to the list of excused student-athletes as soon as possible.
Academic Departments
A faculty member or academic department sponsoring a special co-curricular event or outing should first complete a field trip form and submit it to the office of the Provost for approval. This form should list the name of each student attending the outing, along with a sponsor signature, serving to stipulate that all students who will be traveling have signed a travel waiver. Once the outing is approved, the sponsor must provide at least 48 hours’ advance written notice to the University community by sending the list of names of all students who will be absent from class or other University related event because they are representing the University at an event or function. This list is to be sent to the Director of Executive Communication for distribution. If a situation arises in which 48 hours’ notice is not possible, the sponsoring professor or department should notify the faculty of changes or additions to the list of excused students as soon as possible.
Professors
Professors affected by excused student absences should make reasonable accommodations for excused students who are missing class or other academic activities because of their participation in an event or other function related to their participation in a scheduled, University-authorized co-curricular event. Professors should, in advance of any such excused absences, stipulate in writing (i.e. in the course syllabus) their expectations of and procedures for students who must miss class for authorized reasons. Each professor’s expectations and procedures should meet the parameters outlined in this Excused Absence Policy and should be reviewed with all students during the first week of class.
Students
Students who must miss class for a Lindenwood sporting event or other Lindenwood-authorized activity must, in person or via personal communication (i.e. Lionmail), provide advance notice to all of the professors whose classes they will miss regarding their specific details of their upcoming absence. If possible, this notice should be given to professors at least 72 hours in advance of the affected class meetings. If 72 hours’ notice is not possible, the student should notify his/her professor as soon as possible. This personal notice shall be given in addition to the general notice provided by the Lindenwood Athletics Department or academic department (via the Director of Executive Communication) sponsoring the event. In each case, the student is also expected to prepare thoroughly for and promptly engage in any substitute or “make-up” assignment or activity.