Faculty FAQ

How do I work with athletes who miss classes for competition?

Student athletes have clear policies for communicating with their faculty about upcoming games that may conflict with tests, presentations, or in-class work. The athletes in your classes are expected to communicate several days ahead to work out a plan to take a test on another date, whenever possible. Emails will come from the faculty liaison (Alan Buck) working with student athletes.

Student athletes may not be penalized for missed classes.

According to the Faculty Handbook (2.3.6), when you travel to, play in and/or return from a varsity match you are representing the college in an official capacity, are entitled to an excused absence for any class that you miss, and must be permitted to “make up any missed work without penalty.” Interim Provost Laura Davidson stands behind this policy and supports the following interpretations of this provision.

1. You must be allowed to make up examinations, quizzes or assignments done in class. You are not, however, entitled to hand in late whatever assignments are due on the day you must miss class. Make provisions to get these assignments to your instructor on time, as well as those assignments due on the day you return to class.
2. You must notify your instructors in advance and with proper documentation of the classes you must miss. A sheet from your coach that lists players, game dates and travel times will be not sufficient. Separate notification will be necessary for make-up games and others not on the schedule. Unless you provide appropriate advance notice, you are not guaranteed the right to make up missed work.
3. Your absence may not be grouped into any category of absences, as is often the case if, for example, an instructor has a policy of granting each student in the class three absences no matter what the cause. This constitutes an indirect penalty that cannot be imposed upon you, because you are representing the college.

These are your rights as a student-athlete at Meredith College. However, common sense dictates that you take some steps to make the process smooth and to avoid compromising your education. Some suggestions follow:

1. Do not register for classes (late afternoon or evening) that you know you will miss frequently, unless there is no choice. This is especially true of accelerated classes or classes that meet once a week, where one day’s absence may amount to a full week of 50-minute classes.
2. Do not wait until the last minute to speak with your instructor about absences. The earlier you provide notification, the greater flexibility your instructor will have in working out alternatives. Cross-check your schedule with your class syllabus as soon as you get them and speak to your instructors about conflicts as far in advance as possible.
3. Although excused absences are your right, recognize that it is often an inconvenience for your instructor to provide alternate exam times or to make up a separate exam or quiz. Conduct yourself accordingly.

If for any reason you feel that you are not being treated fairly and have spoken to your instructor without results, please contact Courtney White (WSP 26, clwhite@meredith.edu), who will meet with you to pursue the matter further.