Faculty Handbook 2020-2021

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2020-21

Course Credits Credits will be computed as follows: (based on a 16-week semester for years 1-3, or a 12-week quarter for year 4) One lecture hour = one credit. Two laboratory hours = one credit. Three clinic hours = one credit. Class Scheduling

Class scheduling is the responsibility of the registrar and the Office of Academic Affairs. Schedules will be distributed to chairpersons, clinic chiefs, students and faculty prior to the beginning of the term. Schedules will not be changed without written approval by both the department chairs and the dean for academic affairs. If it becomes necessary to change a lecture or laboratory schedule (lengthening, shortening, adding, canceling or rescheduling), the proposed changes must be made at least five working days prior to the lecture or laboratory and cleared by the registrar to avoid conflicts with other courses. It is the responsibility of the IOR to communicate directly with the students regarding any modifications of class schedule, time or location. Permanent changes, after being approved by the Office of Academic Affairs, will be communicated by the registrar. If it becomes necessary to cover course material because of scheduling conflicts, occasional exchanges of scheduled class times between courses may be done with the permission of the department chairs. Care must be taken because there are some classes that do not have the full roster of students in attendance. The SUNY College of Optometry respects the rights of individuals to observe their religious beliefs. Faculty, staff or students will be excused from classes and UEC clinics for religious observances in accordance with New York State Education Law, Article 5 Section 224-a (see below). Excused absence from clinic for religious observances requires advance notice to the appropriate UEC Service Chief at the beginning of the term or four weeks prior to the holiday (whichever comes first) to facilitate coverage and rescheduling. For academic courses, faculty must notify their Department Chair and students must notify the Instructor of Record at the beginning of the term so that examinations and other assignments will not be scheduled on religious holidays if possible. Students are always responsible for any missed material, requirements, labs or clinics and must ensure that any missed examinations or assignments are excused and made up. Faculty and Service Chiefs must make reasonable and equitable accommodations to students when assignments are made up. Faculty must take vacation leave for missed days.

47