Report Absences
This referral is designed to report absence(s) to the Office of the Dean of Students. Please read the following completely before filling out and submitting this form.
Attendance Requirements
Class attendance, engagement, and participation are required of a course, outlined on the syllabus. These requirements are often integral to the course format, intended learning outcomes, and grading policies. Absences, even for verified reasons, can impact grades and the successful completion of course requirements. Therefore, it is important to maximize class attendance.
Students who will be absent from class (more than two days), for any reason, should complete the Notification of Absence form. This form is submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students, who will forward it to the individual faculty members listed to notify them of the reason for an absence.
One- or Two-Day Absences
If you miss an occasional class, you do not need to obtain a notification from the Office of the Dean of Students. In these circumstances, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor.
Absence situations may include hospitalization, medical emergencies, or long-term illness (including physical or mental health concerns), chronic conditions, death of a family member, natural disasters, or military/legal obligations.
Reporting an absence does not "excuse" missed work. It does not guarantee the option to retake a missed exam, submit a paper after the deadline, or have extended absences excused. The instructor will often determine options for consideration within the context of your performance, past attendance, participation in class, utilization of office hours or other instructional resources, work completed to date, etc.
Extended Absences
For extended absences, up to two weeks, or when multiple assignments or major academic requirements have been missed, our office can provide written communication to the faculty member to verify extenuating circumstances. Notifications are primarily for medical and personal extenuating circumstances. They will not be provided for weddings, travel, family holidays, celebrations, or work responsibilities.
If a student is uncertain about the policy in a given class, he or she should check with the instructor. The Office of the Dean of Students does not have the authority to excuse any absences.