Louis wrote:
> Rick, about special treatment: athletes playing in games, students going
> off to SGA conferences, students presenting papers at undergraduate or
> graduate research conferences, students taking national exams or state
> exams, students performing in concert or play, etc?
In each of these areas, I base a decision on two criteria: (1) What is the
school policy and; (2) Is the experience one that _directly_ contributes to
the student's education?
In the case of presentation of papers, exams, etc., a clear situation
exists in which it is in the student's _academic_ interests to permit the
time away (which, of course, has to be made up). In the case of athletics or
performance arts, the school policy in these areas will determine my
response.
Overall, I take a simple approach. I treat all my students as adults. That
means that I expect them to know when the first sign up for my class whether
or not their extra curricular activities will prevent them from
attending--and if so to evaluate the relative importance of my class
compared to those activities.
> Admittedly, I think
> this sends the wrong signals about the importance of attending class, but
> we all submit to the "system" in this area. Most of our schools don't do
> much on Sundays as far as exam schedule is concerned. Why do you think
> that is so?
Because in the US the educational system is still at the mercy of organized
religion?
Seriously, I have no problem with _stated_ school policy--the
administration sets the schedule and I just teach to it. If a student feels
his/her religion is being slighted by the school because they are required
to attend classes on it's holidays, they need to take that matter to the
administration, not to the instructor.
> Heck, we even cancel classes when we're off on some
> professional jaunt.
I've never cancelled a class in my life!
If I can't be present for a class due to a conference, etc., I make
arrangements for a colleague to cover the class, and I cover one for him/her
in return. As a consumer advocate, I believe the student is entitled to
everything s/he is paying for and that includes classes being held on time
and on schedule.
> So, why penalize religiously observant students?
I don't.
They make their own choice as to whether or not to attend class exactly as
any other student does. I have a great deal of respect for religion, but
that doesn't mean that I accept it as an excuse for a student not doing
his/her work any more than I accept any other non-sanctioned activity as
one. If the administration sets a policy of waiving attendance for a student
based on any criteria they wish, I honor that policy. If not, and if the
student knows s/he will be missing important classes (my syllabus is VERY
thorough and has a detailed schedule) from the first day, then perhaps it
would make better sense for that student to change to a section with an
instructor whose schedule is not as conflicting with their needs. They make
the decision to stay in the class, and that means they take _responsibility_
for their adherence to the syllabus.
> Don't see the logic.
Hopefully, I've clarified it somewhat.
Rick
--
Rick Adams
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Social Sciences
Jackson Community College
2111 Emmons Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
