Overview
Faculty must meet all classes through the final week of each semester, except in cases of illness or authorized absence. If faculty members cannot attend their classes, they must inform the department chairperson and ensure coverage for classes missed. Employees are required to file a report documenting all absences each month. Forms are provided by the academic department and forwarded to the Payroll Office on the last day of each month.
Work-related absences
Faculty members may be excused from classes, office hours, or other scheduled duties for approved work-related activities such as the presentation of papers at conferences, attendance at the meetings of learned societies, participation in workshops, and faculty recruiting. These absences must be approved in advance by the department Chair and Dean and entered into the travel system at least two weeks before the departure date.
Religious holidays
Faculty members missing classes for religious obligation days are to follow the procedures established for requesting and recording work-related absences. An Absence Approval and Travel Request Form is to be used for this purpose and must be signed by the department Chairperson and the appropriate academic administrator. Approval will be given for alternate educational experiences which are consistent with those used for work-related leave. The monthly time report should be marked “A” for those days so authorized.
Faculty members are encouraged to provide makeup opportunities for students whose observance of religious holidays prevents them from attending class.