As Duquesne University moves into the ranks of the foremost Catholic universities in the United States, it is necessary and appropriate that its faculty encourage and facilitate student participation in University-approved co-curricular activities (e.g. meaningful research and/or presentations at academic and professional associations and meetings) and University-sponsored extracurricular activities (e.g. debate, and varsity athletics).
In light of these considerations, faculty members must excuse students who are required to represent Duquesne University at University-approved co-curricular activities from attending one or more classes. Faculty members should, where possible, respond positively to requests from students to be excused from attending one or more classes to participate in other non-mandatory University-approved and/or University-sponsored events.
Faculty members should receive verification of the reason for the excused absences from the University unit that approved or sponsored the activity, at least two weeks prior to the absence.
Students who are excused from attending class are responsible for all work and other activities required of the other students in the missed class. Students who miss an examination or submission deadline due to absence, must make up the exam or submit the assignment at a time and place designated by the instructor.
This policy does not include clinical internships or experiences. In such cases, support for continuation in University-approved events must be solicited by the individual student from the academic unit in which the student is enrolled in conjunction with the University unit sponsoring the activity.