Resources for Faculty

Faculty Guide for Advising Student Athletes (PDF)

Longwood Class Attendance Policy

University policy expects that students attend all classes and failure to attend class regularly impairs the academic performance and disrupts the educational process for all students. In line with the policy, the University has provided the following guidelines for faculty when constructing their course syllabi:

• Instructors may assign a grade of “0” or “F” on work missed because of unexcused absences.
• Instructors have the right to lower a student’s course grade, but no more than one letter grade, if the student misses 10 percent of the scheduled class meeting times for unexcused absences.
• Instructors have the right to assign a course grade of “F” when the student has missed a total (excused and unexcused) of 25 percent of the scheduled class meeting times.

Students should consult with their faculty about any missed class and are responsible for any loss incurred due that absence, excused or unexcused.

Link to Longwood Class Attendance Policy: https://catalog.longwood.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=869#class-attendance      

Expectations for student athletes when missing class

Travel schedules for athletic teams are reviewed to help reduce missed class time for student athletes, but being in-season, intercollegiate athletic events and travel sometimes results in some missed class sessions. It is the responsibility of student athletes to provide their faculty members with a list of scheduled athletic events and a travel itinerary outlining travel dates that conflict with the class meeting dates and to determine a plan for any missed work or class activity. Missing a class does not excuse the student athlete from the work or class assignments. Student athletes with illnesses and injuries that could impact class attendance will also be reported through the Dean of Students like other Longwood University students.

Below are the expectations that Longwood Athletics has set for our student-athletes:

• Present the list of travel dates to each faculty member in person.
• Review all potential missed classes and work with each faculty member.
• Follow up with the faculty member in person before a scheduled travel conflict to determine how the work will be made up.
• Understand that missing a class does not excuse assignments; all work must be completed as required.

Clear communication and proactive planning are key to ensuring that student-athletes can meet their academic responsibilities and be successful in the classroom while balancing the demands of their athletic participation. 

Travel as part of Longwood Athletics participation does fall under the Longwood Class Attendance Policy, and student athletes should be permitted to make up academic work associated with their excused absence. If a student athlete believes that they are not afforded that opportunity, they should reach out to the FAR

FAR as consultant

For faculty managing their own course loads, scholarship, and service, attempting to keep up with student athlete travel, missed classes, and make up assignments can be challenging. If faculty members are struggling or looking for other ideas for assignments, the FAR can be of assistance. The FAR is available to help consult on a number of different strategies and discuss ideas or concepts that have been successful in other courses across campus. This is a collaborative process that is an option for faculty that are searching for possible strategies. Faculty who are interested should reach out to the FAR to discuss the process and options.