Student Absence Notification Request Form

The Student Absence Notification Request Form supports students facing critical situations, significant medical, or family crisis that affect class attendance. While direct communication with instructors is always encouraged, students seeking additional Care Team review and verification may submit a Care Referral along with required supporting documentation. 

Submission of a request does not guarantee faculty outreach. 

Examples of situations that may warrant an absence notification include:  

• Apartment fire or natural disaster  
• Concussions or other serious injuries  
• Death of a family member or loved one  
• Hospitalization  
• Long-term physical health complications
• Life-threatening medical conditions  
• Mental health emergencies  
• Terminal illness  
• Legal or Government Proceeding   

Non-crisis absences are generally expected to be addressed directly between the student and their instructor. Situations that typically do not qualify for an absence notification include:  

• Routine doctor’s appointments  
• Short-term, self-limited illnesses (e.g., cold, flu, stomach virus)  
• Family events (e.g., graduations, weddings)  
• Job interviews  
• Relationship conflicts  
• Minor slips or falls  
• Non-emergency medical concerns, including:  
• Professional and Educational Activities  University Sponsored Activities  
• Athletic Competition   

For non-crisis concerns, students should contact their instructors directly regarding missed coursework or attendance. Please note that decisions regarding non-emergency concerns remain at the discretion of the instructor.

Students seeking accommodations may be referred to Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center.

Documentation of Circumstances 

Supporting documentation is required before an absence of notification can be reviewed and processed. Examples of acceptable documentation may include notes from licensed treatment providers, hospital discharge paperwork, obituaries, or other materials that help verify the reported circumstances.  

Submission of documentation does not guarantee that an absence of notification will be issued. Additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of the Care Team staff to support the review process.  

To protect student privacy, the Care Team will not share specific details regarding the nature of a student’s absence with instructors or other university personnel.  

For questions regarding documentation requirements or the absence notification process, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 832-842-6142.