Students are always encouraged to notify their instructors as soon as possible in order to apprise them of their absence from classes, in advance if possible, and to develop a plan, with a timetable, to make up missed coursework. Students are also encouraged to review the University Class Attendance Policy and course syllabi for additional information regarding class absences and make-up work.
Examples of unforeseen events or circumstances that occur that are emergencies and cause a student to be absent from class include hospitalizations; death in the family; life-threatening issues; family safety-related issues; terminal illness; pregnancy/parenting complications; interpersonal violence; fire or natural disaster; crime victimization; or accident. These should be handled by the Dean of Students office who will also connect students to relevant support services. Please fill out the form and submit your documentation.
Examples of situations that are not emergencies include doctor's appointments; sick/cold; flu; allergies; nausea; staph infection; strep throat; mono; headaches; sprains or falls; inclement weather; relationship conflicts; roommate conflicts; and family member acute illness. Students may choose to notify instructors and send related documentation to them; however, some students do not wish to present their medical information to all of their instructors. If you prefer to send the documentation to the Dean of Students' office for review and notification, please fill out the form and submit your documentation.
Examples of situations that are considered co-curricular trips are those trips taken by classes or registered student organizations that cause a student to be absent from class. Students can process requests by submitting documentation via the Excused Absence Notification form. Instructors or faculty advisers need only to submit one request for all student participants; be sure to upload a pdf of student names and student ID numbers at the bottom of this request form. Although not applicable to instructors, in order for the request to be submitted successfully, please be prepared to check statements of understanding as they are required for students.
Repetitive or extended absences may interfere with the student's ability to be successful in coursework. With that in mind, students who expect that they may have repetitive absences for an on-going medical issue should consider registering with Student Accessibility Services for accommodations.