Absence
From the Faculty Sentate Handbook, Chapter VIII (pdf file)
8.2.10 Absences
8.2.11 Religious Observances [FS 91/92 #21]
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls, in concert with University of Wisconsin System Policy, promotes a commitment to the individual needs of students by reducing attendance conflicts between education requirements and the exercise of religious beliefs. University of Wisconsin-River Falls specific guidelines are as follows:
- Students with a legitimate conflict between an academic requirement and a religious observance must be given an alternative means of meeting the academic requirement. Individuals must notify the instructor within the first three weeks of the class (or earlier if the religious observance comes sooner), of the specific days or dates on which they will request relief.
- Mandatory academic requirements should not be scheduled on days when an acknowledged religious observance causes students to be absent from scheduled functions. The claim of a religious function should be accepted. However, the instructor may set reasonable limits on the total number of days claimed by any one student.
- Student grades should not be affected because the individuals are absent from class due to a legitimate conflict with a religious observance (this includes attendance requirements).
The University makes no other provision for "excused absences" since it is assumed that, in order to learn most effectively, the student must attend classes.
8.2.13 University Sponsored Off-campus Activities and Field Trips [FS 98/99 #46]
Criticism arises due to the interruption of student programs by off-campus activities, especially during the Spring term. Staff members can lessen criticism by careful scheduling. Scheduling field trips on Saturday is recommended or, if a weekday is essential, varying the hours and the days. Such activities should not be scheduled during the final exam period or one week prior to final examinations.
Students will not be penalized for missing class in order to participate in University-sanctioned events. If class attendance is a requirement, missing a class in order to participate in a University-sanctioned event will not be counted as an absence. Such absences do not relieve the students of any of their class responsibilities (e.g., homework, exams, lecture notes, etc.). Students are responsible for completing course requirements that are due on the dates of University-sanctioned events per prior agreement with the instructor.
A University-sanctioned event is defined to be any extracurricular event (e.g., educational field trips or conferences, theatrical performances, intercollegiate athletic contests, musical performance or tours, etc.) as approved by the Provost & Vice Chancellor.
Departments sponsoring such events are responsible for obtaining the Provost & Vice Chancellor's approval prior to an event for it to be determined as sanctioned. Prior written notice of the student's absence due to a University-sanctioned event will be provided to the instructor by the sponsoring department.
8.2.14 Special Events and Convocations
Faculty members may require student attendance at special events in lieu of their own classes, but only if this attendance does not conflict with other classes.
Medical Excuses (See Health)
