Campus News

As the University’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), I like to take a moment at the start of each year to let you know what the University is doing to make sure that our academic mission comes first, even in these unusual times.
    Student-athletes have many pressures on their time, including practice, travel, competition, and more. That can be a problem, but with many classes available online, missed classes may be less of a problem this year than in years past. Unfortunately, there will still be occasional conflicts. At the start of each semester, student athletes should have provided you with a list of dates when they will miss class due to travel. Hopefully, you can excuse those absences and let them make up any work. 
    Of course, travel difficulty or scheduling changes can affect the plan. When such matters are beyond control of the student, you will be given notice as soon as possible. I would appreciate your cooperation in working out any difficulties. I can help arrange to have someone administer quizzes and exams or facilitate other accommodations. Just let me know what you need. 
    One major role of the FAR is to serve as a communication link between the Athletics Department and faculty members. Please understand that a coach should never initiate contact with you to discuss a student athlete’s performance in your class. Coaches know this. If you ever have a concern along these lines, please contact me. 
    You may be aware of situations at other institutions where faculty members who thought they were doing favors for student-athletes actually hurt the program. Schools have faced NCAA sanctions and had their academic reputation tainted due—at least in part—to actions taken by well-intended faculty members. Despite our recent NCAA issues, no violations related to academic impropriety on our campus. We are working hard to keep it that way. Please reach out if you are uncertain about what constitutes a legitimate accommodation for an athlete. 
    You might hear from me over the course of the year. We track grade changes for student-athletes, and I usually contact professors to verify that any changes were made for legitimate reasons. I also may be in contact if there is a question of academic honesty. Please understand that this is not a matter of questioning your authority or integrity. The NCAA makes us verify that student athletes are being treated like all other students, and contacting the professors is simply a matter of following through on that obligation.  
    If you have any questions or concerns relating to these issues, or if you have suggestions, please email or call me. The phone number below is to my cell phone, so you can even text. Feel free to contact me any time that you have an issue that touches on athletics. The FAR is also an advocate for the faculty, and I will do my best to help. 
    Thanks for your time and attention,

Ron Rychlak
Law School
662 607 3147
rrychlak@olemiss.edu