Resources for Student Athletes

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 (Link in text?), 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.

Grade Appeal Policy:

The faculty of Longwood University is unequivocally committed to the principle that evaluation of student work and assignment of grades is a responsibility and a prerogative to be exercised solely by the individual instructor.

Should a student believe the final course grade received was unfairly awarded, the student has the right to appeal. Students should be aware of the fact that the appeal procedure may result in a grade being raised, lowered, or remaining unchanged. The student must initiate the appeal in writing by February 1 (for grades awarded in the fall semester or intersession) or by September 15 (for grades awarded in the spring semester or in summer).

A detailed description of the appeal procedure is provided in the University catalog and can be found here: https://catalog.longwood.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=869#grade-appeals

Longwood Office of Student Athlete Academic Services:

The Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services helps to coordinate academic resources provided across Longwood’s campus for student athletes. OSAAS works to ensure that student athletes are aware of and comply with all University, NCAA, and conference policies surrounding academic eligibility. Student athletes should consult with the office prior to course registration each semester and before making any changes to their academic schedule in an effort to maintain their academic eligibility. The office also offers additional services focused on academic and personal success such as study hall, tutoring, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

OSAAS website: https://longwoodlancers.com/sports/2007/9/28/Academic%20Support.aspx

Longwood Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC):

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is comprised of student athlete representatives from each athletic team to help inform and advocate for student athletes on rules, regulations, and policies that impact their lives. SAAC is active on the campus, conference and national level advocating for student athletes and their academic and athletic experience.

Additional information about the Longwood SAAC can be found on their website.

Longwood SAAC website: https://longwoodlancers.com/sports/2003/10/7/SAAC.aspx