Faculty Absence During a Semester

It is UMSL policy that all classes will meet at the regularly scheduled time in the scheduled instruction mode, and that they will be taught by the faculty member assigned to the course. Faculty members are expected to hold class meetings that are consistent with the course schedule, and to be accessible to engage with students outside of the scheduled class times on a consistent basis that is clearly communicated to students. The faculty member shall be available to students, colleagues, and others through their workload commitment in accordance with the university, college, and departmental policies.

Although it is the responsibility of the instructor to meet all scheduled classes, as well as their other commitments, there may be occasions when it may be necessary for an instructor to miss a class or other obligation. Faculty members, whenever possible, should have prior approval from their supervisor and/or dean before missing classes or missing other scheduled duties. In the case of emergency, notification to both the supervisor and students is requested prior to the start of the class or other scheduled activity. Faculty members may not reschedule a class meeting outside of the regular class schedule.

When a faculty member must miss an occasional class (i.e., for professional meetings, health reasons, religious observances, etc.) they are expected to arrange for an alternative form of instruction to keep students on track to meet course objectives. If the alternative instruction involves switching a class meeting to remote learning, faculty members should proactively communicate expectations with their students as soon as feasible. University policy does not allow faculty to reschedule a class outside of the published class schedule; although waivers are available for service learning or other similar course related activities. If the alternative instruction plan involves inviting a guest lecturer from outside the university, arrangements must be approved by the academic unit leadership and an UMSL staff or faculty member must accompany the guest lecturer.

Full-time faculty members who need to miss classes for an extended time to care for themselves or a family member are encouraged to investigate Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leaves of absence and apply for such a leave if eligible. Information about FMLA Leave is available on the UM System website “About the Family and Medical Leave Act.” Instructions about how to apply is available through the UM System’s Total Rewards website “Taking Qualifying or FMLA Leave”.