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University Excused Class Absences

The Office of the Dean of Students is able to verify and provide notifications for absences that meet the criteria of the excused absence policies established by University Senate.

The University Senate recognizes the following as types of absences that must be excused:
• Grief Absence Policy for Students
• Jury Duty Policy for Students
• Medical Excused Absence Policy for Students
• Military Absence Policy for Students
• Parenting Leave Policy for Students- Facilitated by the Office of Institutional Equity

These policies are outlined in the University Regulations.

What if the absence does not meet the criteria of one of the excused class absence policies?
Absences outside of those covered by the University's excused class absence policies are at the discretion of the individual course instructors. Students should work with their instructors directly to discuss their absence and the opportunity to complete missed coursework. The Office of the Dean of Students cannot to verify or provide notification for an absence outside of the excused class absence policies.
How does a student request an absence?

Students needing an absence notification sent for one of the above-listed excused absence policies should be directed to the class absence webpage to complete the corresponding request form. 

Who receives the absence notification?
Absence notifications from the Office of the Dean of Students are sent to the academic advisor and course instructors on record for the student. The Office of the Dean of Students cannot alter who receives the notification.
What is the difference between the preliminary and verified absence notifications?

The excused absence policies established by Faculty Senate require that students provide documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) to verify the request.

A preliminary absence notice indicates that ODOS was notified of the absence; however, documentation has not yet been provided. Students are responsible for following up with ODOS to provide documentation.

Once documentation is provided, ODOS will send the verified notification. The instructor is to excuse the student from class with a verified absence. Instructors are to provide the opportunity to earn equivalent credit and to demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning outcomes for missed assignments or assessments.

What academic supports are available to a student following their absence?
The Academic Success Center offers a variety of resources that may be beneficial to students as they complete coursework from their absence and maintain the academic expectations of their course. Additionally, many departments offer help rooms or support centers.
Who do I talk to if I have concerns about grading a student due to their class absences?

If a student's absence has met the criteria of one of the excused absence policies and was verified by the Office of the Dean of Students, the instructor is to excuse the student from class. Instructors are to provide the opportunity to earn equivalent credit and to demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning outcomes for missed assignments or assessments.

If your concern is due to the cumulation of a student's absences or does not meet the criteria for an excused absence, consult with the head of your department.

The University Regulations state:

In certain laboratory-based or intensive short-term courses, a student can jeopardize his/her academic status with an unreasonable number of absences, particularly in lab courses that cannot be made up later. In courses with extensive laboratory exercises, group projects, group performances, or participation requirements, equivalent exercises or assessments may not be possible as determined by the instructor and subject to review by the Dean of the school or college offering the course, or their designee. In such a case the student may be eligible for retroactive withdrawal. The student should always consult with the instructor to determine the potential impact of any absence.