What if I’m late to class?

We ask that you plan on arriving to MECC early for each class session. It helps to maintain WashU’s professional reputation with the Department of Corrections staff and ensures that you can get to class on time.

If you are ever running late, you should call the prison to let them know and ask them to “hold” your students. We all understand that emergencies happen.

You should keep the main number for the prison (636) 257-3322 programmed into your phone so you can call from the road. An operator will answer and you should ask them to get a message to the officers in the “Education annex” (day classes) or in “Programs” (night classes). You should explain that you are a WashU professor, that you are still coming for class, and that you are requesting that they please hold your students instead of sending them back to the housing units.

If you do not do this, it is likely that your students will be sent away and will have to be called up again after you arrive. This will take up more of your class time and cause a logistical problem for everyone involved.

What if I need to cancel a course or tutoring session?

If it is the day-of the scheduled session:

Call MECC (636) 257-3322. You should ask for the education annex and tell them that you will not be able to attend your scheduled session and you need to cancel it. If the annex is closed when you are calling, explain the situation and ask for guidance. You may want to get the name of the person to whom you are talking. [e.g., “Can I ask whom I’m talking to?” “John? Thank you so much, John, for all your help. I really appreciate it.”]
Email a confirmation.

SAMPLE EMAIL:

TO: emily.haslag@mo.doc.gov; prisonedproject@wustl.edu; rhenke@wustl.edu

SUBJECT: TODAY: Canceling Session [your last name] [time]

Dear Ms. Haslag,

Unfortunately, I am not able to attend my scheduled session at MECC today at [time] for [tutoring or class] in [room you regularly in meet]. I apologize for the late notice!

I just called into the prison to inform [name of person/department you talked to] of this cancellation.

Thank you for all your help and please let me know if I need to anything further.

All best,

If it is the day before your scheduled session:

Call MECC (636) 257-3322. You should ask for the education annex and tell them that you will not be able to attend your scheduled session and you need to cancel it. If the annex is closed when you are calling, explain the situation and ask for guidance. You may want to get the name of the person to whom you are talking. [e.g., “Can I ask whom I’m talking to?” “John? Thank you so much, John, for all your help. I really appreciate it.”]
Email a confirmation.