The Dean of Students Office will issue a Class Absence notice to professors, advisors, and residence life staff as a courtesy to students with several days of absences when appropriate medical documentation has been provided by the student.
These notices are not excused absences. Instead, this is left to the faculty member’s discretion. The Dean of Students Office asks for flexibility and reasonable assistance in making up missed work once the student has returned to class, though the student is responsible for contacting their faculty members themselves.
It is the prerogative as well as the responsibility of each faculty member to establish a clear policy for each course of instruction in regard to the nature and extent of student participation that will be expected and required.
The effect of absences upon the student's standing in a particular class will be left to the determination of the instructor in the course. However, it is expected that faculty members will be fair and reasonable concerning validated absences due to field trips, practicum, religious observance, participation in varsity athletics, placement interviews for graduating seniors, rehearsals or performances, and illnesses sufficiently serious to be certified by either the University Health Center or the student's physician. The faculty member should consult with the Dean of Students Office in instances where doubts arise regarding the course to follow in evaluating student absences.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform instructors of the nature and extent of an actual or anticipated absence. If that is impossible, or if the absence is or will be more than three (3) consecutive class session (seven (7) calendar days), the student should contact the Office of the Dean of Students Office at 609-896-5101. Then the dean’s office will notify the appropriate faculty member.