Absence Notification

Important Information

Please note:

• Instructors retain full discretion regarding attendance, missed coursework, and academic flexibility in accordance with course policies.
• Class absence notifications do not guarantee make-up work, extensions, or academic flexibility.
• Notifications serve only to document that a student's circumstances may prevent participation in class during a designated period.
• Submission of documentation does not guarantee that a class absence notification will be issued.

Before Requesting a Class Absence Notification

Students should first attempt to communicate directly with their instructor(s) regarding any absence from class.

Most absences, including routine illnesses, short-term illnesses, and other temporary disruptions, should be addressed directly with instructors in accordance with course policies.

The Office of the Dean of Students reviews requests for class absence notifications only in the limited circumstances outlined below.

When the Office of the Dean of Students May Issue an Absence Notification

At the request of a student or instructor, the Office of the Dean of Students may issue a class absence notification under the following circumstances:

• A student expects to be away from the university for approximately one week or more of classes and is unable to contact their instructor(s).
• A student is experiencing a significantly traumatic situation and is unable or reluctant to discuss the circumstances directly with their instructor(s).

Illness and Medical Absences

Students experiencing illness should communicate directly with their instructor(s) regarding class absences.

The Student Health Center may issue absence notifications only when a clinical provider determines whether a student should not attend class due to illness. The Student Health Center does not provide general "seen and treated" notes.

Documentation

The Office of the Dean of Students may request documentation when necessary to better understand a student's circumstances and determine whether a class absence notification is appropriate under university policy.

Examples of documentation may include, but are not limited to:

• Medical documentation
• Hospital discharge paperwork
• Obituaries
• Legal or court documentation when required to appear as a plaintiff or witness
• Military orders
• Other materials that help verify the circumstances described

Questions?

If you are unsure whether your situation meets the criteria for a class absence notification, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 540-831-6297 or dos-web@radford.edu before submitting a request.