Whereas, student participation in both Student Senate and University Senate can be a barrier to the fulfillment of academic duties,

Whereas, faculty and subsidiary bodies of the University Senate not including Student Senate are relieved of many burdens in opposition to their involvement,

For these reasons stated above, therefore be it decided that the Student Senate endorse the following action;

The administration shall formally recognize the University Senate and its subsidiary bodies including all committees, task forces, working groups, and any subsequent bodies incorporated as University Sponsored and Sanctioned including Student Senate, and

The administration shall formally recognize the Student Senate as a subsidiary body of the University Senate in the following amendments to language in the Policy on Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester (language to be added is underlined):

1. Students will not be penalized for absence during the semester due to unavoidable or legitimate circumstances. Such circumstances include verified illness, participation in intercollegiate athletic events, University Senate, subpoenas, jury duty, military service, bereavement, and religious observances. Such circumstances also include activities sponsored by the University if identified by the senior academic officer for the campus or his or her designee as the basis for excused absences. Such circumstances do not include voting in local, state, or national elections.

2. It is the responsibility of students to plan their schedules to avoid excessive conflict with course requirements.

3. A student must notify instructors of circumstances identified in (1) as soon as possible and provide documentation to the instructor to verify the reason for the absence.  In the event that the University declares a pandemic emergency (e.g., flu), the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or designee may waive the requirement that students are required to have documentation from a physician for illness.

4. If a student is absent due to circumstances identified in (1) and has complied with the notification requirement, the instructor may not penalize the student and must provide reasonable and timely accommodation or opportunity to make up exams or other course requirements that have an impact on the course grade.

5. The authority to determine what constitutes an excusable bereavement absence and religious observance rests with the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

6. Instructors are encouraged to accommodate students who wish to participate in party caucuses, pursuant to Board of Regents resolution [See http://www1.umn.edu/regents/minutes/2005/december/board.pdf, p. 147]

7. This policy does not apply to final examinations.

8. Colleges and academic units may establish specific criteria for notice and completion of work to implement this policy.

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