Absence from Class Notifications
When a currently enrolled student has been affected by an emergency or crisis that causes one or more absences from class, the student should immediately contact his or her instructors and a staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students. A student who cannot report the emergency or crisis because of hospitalization, emergency service, urgent travel needs, or incapacitation may rely on another party (parent, close relative, care giver, etc.) to report the absence(s). Any verification documents related to the emergency or crisis should be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students when applicable.
Excused absences and makeup work are granted solely at the discretion of each class instructor, even if an absence notification is sent from the Office of the Dean of Students. Absence notifications from the Office of the Dean of Students provide information to faculty members but do NOT excuse absences or serve as a request for a student’s absences to be excused. Students are strongly encouraged to communicate directly with their instructors regarding class absences.
Health care providers at the Student Health Center will not provide written explanations regarding absences from class for illnesses not diagnosed and treated at the Health Center. Students also should understand that Absence from Class Notifications are not necessarily retroactive; requests for absence notifications should be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students in a timely manner. Students with emergencies or instructors with questions should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (662-915-7248).