The Clemson football team has earned the enviable privilege of playing for the National Title on Jan. 11, the fourth class day of spring semester. Those who choose to attend the game will be unable to attend lectures or labs on both Monday, Jan. 11 and Tuesday, Jan. 12. Based on consultation with with senior staff, administrative, student, and faculty leadership, the following guidelines have been developed:
1) A national football championship is, for most of us, a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a key part of American higher education culture. This is true for students, staff, and faculty. It is a special opportunity. We have an obligation to facilitate participation, so long as it does not diminish the core academic mission of the university.
2) Classes and laboratories will run as scheduled on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 11-12. The vast majority of our family will remain in Clemson. There will be “business as usual” in keeping with the academic rigor and challenge that we are proud to have.
3) However, we ask that all faculty provide flexibility to students who choose to attend the game. This flexibility may include excused absences coupled with work outside of class hours that will hold students to the rigor and work needed to advance their learning.
4) Faculty who wish to attend the game may structure their classes and labs in ways that permit learning to continue. This could include having extra assignments in lieu of lectures, substitute or guest lecturers, etc.
5) Graduate assistants (GAs, GTAs, GRAs) and student teachers who wish to attend the game must consult with their supervisors to make sure that their work assignments are being covered and work expectations met.
6) Staff and faculty eligible for leave, and administrators have the option of using annual leave – subject to approval by their supervisor. Some may be attending the event as part of their job responsibilities (e.g., development, alumni relations, communications, athletics support, etc.).
Later this week, the college academic associate deans and the associate provost and dean of undergraduate studies will work together to facilitate solutions to lingering stress points.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Jones
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
