Excused Absences for Students Missing Class

Policy

Notifying instructors and arranging make-up work in cases involving absence of students from class are the responsibility of the student. A student who is absent should notify instructors by phone, email, or in person of the absence as soon as possible. If contact with instructors cannot be made directly, the student should email their instructors explaining the nature of the situation and inquiring about the effect of the absence on the student's course work.

In serious situations where the student is incapacitated and temporarily unable to perform the aforementioned responsibilities, family members may contact the Dean of Students Office, (phone: 262-472-1533) for assistance with these matters. The Dean of Students Office will then provide notification (not verification) of the absence to the instructors; however, arrangements for make-up work, make-up exams, or possible assignment adjustments are the responsibility of the student. The University Health and Counseling Services and the Dean of Students Office do not provide excuses for absences from class due to illness. Students should read their syllabi carefully and direct any attendance-related questions to the instructor of that course.

Policy Guidance

While the implementation of the above policy is at the discretion of the instructor of record, the Faculty Senate strongly recommends the following:

1. An “excused absence” means that make-up work is available to offset the impact of an absence (i.e. missing a graded discussion when an essay can be submitted in its place, making up a test at a later date, etc.) such that the absence does not negatively impact the student’s grades.

2. An “excused absence” should be given for the following, with the need for verification at the discretion of the instructor:

• Medical Absence- verified by a note from a medical practitioner or notice from their office
  • University Health and Counseling Services will not provide documentation, but a student could show their appointment on the UHCS portal.
  • Faculty members should not ask for, accept, or store student medical records.
• Funeral for Close Friend/Relative- verified by proof of funeral arrangements or obituary or other confirmation. A death certificate is not required to satisfy this policy.
• Mandatory Court Appearance- verified by an official court document
• Decision by the Dean of Students- verified by communication from the Dean of Students about why the student cannot attend class
• Motor Vehicle Accident- verified by a Crash Report, Drivers Information Exchange, or filed insurance claim
• Participation in a University Sponsored Event or Sports Competition- verified by a letter from the coach or faculty/staff leader
• Active Military Service- verified by orders documentation
• Religious Observance- absences related to religious observance should adhere to the Accomodation of Religious Beliefs Policy (bottom of page)
• Other reasons at the discretion of the instructor

4. Verification documents that appear to be fraudulent (i.e. a fake doctor’s note) should be forwarded to the Dean of Students Office for review under UWS Chapter 17.

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Record of approval for Policy Guidance:

Approved at the 2021-08-10 meeting of the FSEC.

Endorsed by Chancellor on 2021-08-23.

See meeting archive for more information