How We Can Help
If you are dealing with an unexpected, extenuating circumstance that will keep you out of class or affect your performance for five or more consecutive days, the Dean of Students Office can provide notification to your instructors. Such circumstances may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- death of a family member or close friend
- accident or another emergency
- hospitalization
- extended illness
In requesting the Dean of Students Office provide notification to your instructors, you should include a brief description of the situation and provide documentation (medical documentation, obituary, etc.). The documentation you provide will not be shared with your instructors.
The notification to your instructors will explain that you are experiencing compelling, non-academic circumstances beyond your control that might affect your academics. While the Dean of Students Office does not have the ability to excuse absences, they will request that your instructors work with you to complete missed coursework where appropriate. Once the Dean of Students Office has notified your instructors, you are still encouraged to reach out to them to discuss how you can be successful in making up for time away from class.
If you only expect to miss a day or two of class, you should contact your instructors directly, let them know, and make arrangements where appropriate.