Professors negotiating a scheduling conflict now have another option; a new program developed by the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) offers professors an educational alternative to canceling class.

The program, “Don’t Cancel That Class: A Lecture Alternative Program,” dispatches qualified staff to the classroom when the instructor has a professional or personal conflict. ODOS staff can cover a class by presenting workshops on myriad topics relevant to all students — leadership, communication, social justice/diversity, conflict resolution, personal/professional development, ethical decision making, global citizenship, legal issues, and student integrity.

Don’t Cancel That Class is a concept that is utilized successfully by several leading universities including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Rutgers University, and is in line with an ODOS goal to enhance faculty interaction in the spirit of collaboration.

“I am very excited about this new initiative,” said Dean of Students John Stein. “Our hope is that faculty will collaborate with us by offering students the opportunity to explore some interesting and relevant topics to both their Tech experience and beyond.”

In addition to students receiving an educational and thought-provoking lecture, ODOS staff will take attendance and provide faculty with a copy of the attendance record and all handouts. The program also offers faculty the flexibility to create a presentation that will fit specific needs.