We understand that illness and injury may impact a student's ability to attend class or to complete assignments. Students in this situation are responsible for notifying their instructors, preferably before missing a class/assignment. Conversations between students and instructors should identify how a student can work around an illness or injury to best continue academic efforts and activities. Instructors have final authority to excuse absences.

The Center for Health & Wellbeing will not provide written medical excuses for class absences due to acute illness.

In the event of illness or injury requiring hospitalization or extended absence from classes, with permission from the student, we can notify the student’s Dean’s Office who will then contact the student’s faculty. We will not give any information (including verifying that a student has been seen or date of visit) without the permission of the student.

We encourage open and honest dialogue between students and instructors throughout the semester and in particular when students are unable to attend class. This approach encourages students, as emerging adults, to advocate for themselves and to take responsibility for their health and actions. This also encourages instructors to see students as emerging adults and to communicate directly with them if concerns arise.