0. RUAC Discussion Points for Faculty Senate on Student Absences
January 25, 2017

1. Agenda Overview of Issue Current GA Language Background
Student-Athlete Surveys
Faculty Surveys
Enhanced Athletic Department Procedures
Ideas to Strengthen Faculty Procedures

2. Overview of Issue
Small but significant percentage of faculty do not give students a “reasonable opportunity” to make up class work missed due to absences at university-sponsored extracurricular activities
Current GA language that absences are “rare” is inaccurate for Student-Athletes (SAs), particularly during sports seasons
University-wide processes on absences should be strengthened

3. Current GA Language
The university understands that students participating in university-sponsored extracurricular activities may, on rare occasions, need to miss a class session during the semester. As a matter of course, students should inform their instructors in advance of absences resulting from participation in university-sponsored activities, and faculty normally will give a reasonable opportunity to make up work missed on such occasions.
General Announcements ( ), Attendance and Excused Absences (2nd paragraph)

4. Student-Athlete Surveys
F15 question: “My faculty member’s sensitivity to my intercollegiate sport obligations as a student-athlete.”
S16 question: “My faculty members give a reasonable opportunity to make up class work missed due to my university sanctioned responsibilities as a student-athlete”.
In an end of season survey, SAs were asked to rate and describe their experiences at Rice on variety of topics related to athletics. The following questions were posed that pertain to this topic:
The S16 question was updated to more specifically address this topic)
Unsatisfactory
Below Expectations
Meets Expectations
Exceeds Expectations
Outstanding
Total Responses 5 28
100 46 26
205
2.44%
13.66%
48.78%
22.44%
12.68%

5. RUAC Faculty Perception Surveys
RUAC interviewed 43 faculty on six questions on SAs intellectual curiosity and capacity, honor code adherence, leadership, and a specific question regarding absences:
“Does the practice, travel, and competition schedule of student-athletes create issues in the classroom (team projects, missed classes, make-up assignments)? If so, please explain how and why this is the case.”
~55% Missed classes an issue, sometimes serious—especially labs,
team projects, and “learning in the classroom”
~45% Missed classes not an issue or no more than for non-athletes
~10% Indicated faculty refusal / significant reluctance to provide SAs reasonable opportunity to make up missed classwork
RUAC faculty provided further anecdotal information on faculty refusals

6. Enhanced Athletic Dept. Procedures
Starting F16, SAs given signed letters at start of each semester listing all classes must miss for university-sanctioned sports events
Encourages SA and faculty communication
Met with positive faculty feedback
Consideration to also reviving all-sports calendar
NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR, currently Rob Griffin) reminders to SAs that he can help with issues
Athletic Director Joe Karlgaard strongly committed to working with coaches and staff to minimize absences and smooth processes

7. Ideas to Strengthen Procedures
Clarify and strengthen the GA language in regard to absences at university-sponsored events
Change inaccurate “rare” language
Specify an ombudsman or process to help students and faculty with issues
Remind SAs that they may also seek assistance from the FAR
Require new GA language in course syllabi, akin to university requirements on documented disabilities
Provide annual reminders of university policy, akin to university reminders on documented disabilities
Provide training and outreach to deans, faculty, and students
Make clear that faculty practices that deny any student realistic options to reschedule assignments are not consistent with Rice University policy