Illinois State University deeply values and supports the required participation of students in University-Authorized Activities. Instructors will provide students participating in such activities with reasonable arrangements for completing missed exams, quizzes, and other required work and may not require that missed work be counted as a low grade to be dropped.
It is the responsibility of the student to (1) inform instructors of scheduled absences in advance, (2) provide a schedule of all semester absences, as soon as known, where possible, and (3) arrange to complete missed class work. Ultimately, students are responsible for the material covered in class.
The Office of the Dean of Students will determine University-Authorized Activities.
University-Authorized Activities
Examples of University-Authorized Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Intercollegiate athletic competitions (e.g., student athletes, student athletic trainers, student athletic managers, PEP bands, and cheerleaders).
- Students serving in University-Authorized meetings (e.g., state legislative meetings, Board of Trustees meetings, IBHE and Student Advisory Council meetings).
- Activities required by a student's department/school and/or major and activities associated with a credit hour generating course.
- Fine arts, marching band, and Gamma Phi Circus performances, as well as competitions related to a major or an academic department/school.
Requests
Requests for University Activities not listed above should be channeled through the Office of the Dean of Students.
Appeals
If, after discussion with the faculty member, the student believes, in good faith, that the arrangements are not reasonable, or if there is an inability to reach the faculty member, the student may file an appeal to the department chair/school director or the Dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing (when applicable) no later than ten (10) business days after the end of the student's absence period due to participation in a University-Authorized Activity. The department chair/school director, or the Dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing (when applicable) will issue a written decision to both parties within ten (10) business days. Both parties have the right to appeal the department chair's/school director's or the Dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing's (when applicable) decision by filing a written appeal within five (5) business days to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. The Provost's decision shall be final without further appeal.