When students inquire about the possibility of exiting from a course once the Drop and Withdrawal deadlines have passed, tell them their choices are to rally immediately or rally later, in both cases seeking assistance from the instructor as warranted. Instructors may extend the opportunity of an Incomplete, but only upon completion of the Request for Extension form, available in Garrett Hall. The form must include a signature from the instructor, and then be submitted back to Garrett Hall. Absent major and documented trauma or hardship, there is no exit from a course, all rumors about magical and mystical colored forms to the contrary.
Contrary to expectations of some colleagues and students, Garrett Hall does not “validate” students’ requests for make-up quizzes, missed homework or classes, labs, and the like. It is the responsibility of each instructor to set the criteria of participation for the course and then to honor exceptions and accommodations as circumstances and the instructor’s judgment suggest. Only in the event of unusually serious circumstances that transcend the course involved, such as hospitalizations or other emergencies, when students cannot consult with each instructor, do the Association Deans write to instructors with the requests that students be permitted to make up missed work.
Some instructors have found the following a workable solution:
Every class should have a syllabus on which are listed the guidelines for participation in the course. A statement such as this can help: “Students are expected to clear any absences with the instructor ahead of time. Otherwise, and in the event of illness, emergency, and the like, a written statement, accompanied by the Honor Pledge attesting to its veracity, is required before the possibility of make-up work will be considered.”
During Faculty Advisor Orientation, one Faculty Advisor inquired whether or not he or anyone else involved in the advising of students could be held liable for “faulty advice.” Given the popularity of litigation at present, others voiced concern and requested some statement on liability. One of the Association Deans received the following response form Richard C. Kast, Associate General Counsel.
Generally, a faculty advisor who was sued for any reason would be entitled to representation, and would be insured in the event of a finding of liability, for acts undertaken in the scope of his or her employment. “Faulty advice” is probably not going to be a very compelling legal theory for a finding of liability, but of course anyone can file a suit, even if it is frivolous or silly.Richard C. Kast, Associate General Counsel
Madison Hall, University of Virginia
P.O. Box 9015
Charlottesville, VA 22906-9015
phone: (804) 924-3586 | fax: (804) 982-3070 | e-mail: