Substitute Request Form

A group of WP colleagues will be on call throughout the year to cover classes for your short-term needs in case of illness, caregiving responsibilities, and other unplanned absences. If you would like to request a sub, please fill out the secure form below with as much information as you are able to provide. PTLs who cover unplanned absences will be be paid for their time covering classes on a pro-rated per course basis.

When you request a sub, the Writing Program’s faculty sub coordinator will receive your form and communicate with the available subs, who will then be in touch with you to discuss details. If at all possible, please request by 4:30pm the day before your absence, and you will hear back about coverage around 7pm. You are also welcome to contact the sub coordinator (AY 2025-2026: Heather Barrett) directly with any questions. 

Please use this form only for unplanned absences. Unplanned means situations you didn’t anticipate that make it hard for you to take the steps required to arrange for coverage or prepare an asynchronous activity.

Here are some scenarios in which an absence would be considered unplanned:

• You or someone you care for has an unpredicted illness or injury that prevents you from getting to campus and/or teaching.
• You experience the loss of a loved one. (Note that BU also offers short-term bereavement leave, which you should speak with the admin team about.)
• You face an unpredictable event that prevents you from getting to campus and/or teaching. Some examples:
  • Your car breaks down or public transit to campus is disrupted.
  • You have an urgent home maintenance issue.
  • You are returning from a trip and your travel is disrupted.
  • You have a last-minute disruption to child or elder care.
  • You are unable to get to campus due to weather conditions, but BU is still open.

Here are some scenarios in which you would want to find coverage on your own by asking a full-time colleague or making other arrangements (an asynchronous lesson, an ERC workshop, etc.): 

• You or someone you care for needs predictable care. Some examples: 
  • Routine medical appointments
  • Medical procedures scheduled in advance
  • Scheduled child or eldercare
• You are traveling for a conference, a planned family or religious obligation, or some other easily anticipated event.

If your situation does not clearly fall into one of these categories, please consult with the admin team!