As members of the AU community, we each have a responsibility to one another. In unthinkable times like these, we should strive to be open, to listen, and to respect the rights of others. We will soon be sharing information about additional university and community engagement opportunities in the immediate term, but I wanted to make you aware of an event planned for tomorrow. 

On Wednesday, November 1, it is anticipated that members of the community will “walk out” of class or other activities at 11 a.m. and gather on the quad. This event is led by a recognized student organization and related to current events involving Israel and Palestine. As part of our commitment to inquiry and creating knowledge, we support community members’ right to express their views. Our Freedom of Expression Policy and Statement of Values are helpful guides for constructive expression and engagement on challenging issues.  

As with any campus gathering, we are committed to a safe environment for participants and those who are not involved. We encourage peaceful and respectful expression during Wednesday’s event. If activity associated with the event or actions by individuals cause injuries, property damage, or disruption to other university activities, the student code of conduct and/or applicable university employment policies will be applied.

In advance of Wednesday, we encourage community members to review university policies on class attendance and employee participation in protests. AU’s Undergraduate Academic Rules and Regulations (Section 4.1.1.) provide that “individual instructors may have different attendance requirements….” If a faculty member excuses absences for participation in walkouts or other forms of protest, then the faculty member should excuse participation in any type of protest. Students may not be penalized for excused absences but are required to make up all work missed due to the excused absence. If the faculty member does not excuse the absence, the student may be responsible for the absence or any missed work while absent.

Faculty members may participate in protests in a personal capacity provided that this activity does not occur during a time when they are scheduled to teach or perform other instructional duties, such as conducting office hours. Staff seeking to participate in protests during scheduled work hours should request annual leave under the university’s leave policies (Section 12.0). Annual leave may be approved by the employee’s supervisor if there is sufficient advance notice, the requested leave would not interfere with specific work needs for the unit, and the requesting staff member has sufficient accrued leave to cover the time away.

Please know that I am here to offer you support as we continue to navigate this difficult moment together.