Instructor absences

Please note the CLAS instructor absence policies, which also apply to graduate student course instructors as well: 

• Instructors should arrange for coverage of teaching and office hours obligations during a brief illness or when a short absence from the classroom needs to occur. 
• The DEO and course supervisor (where appropriate) should always be informed of any absence affecting teaching ASAP. 
  • In the case of travel, instructors should be reminded to submit the travel form for approval before the travel is arranged. 
  • Additionally, DEOs should encourage faculty to designate a colleague who is willing to assume their teaching responsibilities in an emergency or absence.
• While we have learned that there are new ways to cover a course when the instructor needs to be away (i.e., using Zoom), an instructional modality change from in-person to online for more than one or two class periods is not permitted. 
• Ideas for handling these emergency absences include the following: utilizing a guest instructor to lecture; leading discussion or small group work; utilizing a guest speaker in the classroom; or having the instructor or guest speaker lecture via Zoom with a TA or colleague present.

More information on this topic may be found on this page and in the UI Operations Manual, 22.3.

We are always willing to consult on matters related to instructor absences.