Absence Verifications

In Fall 2020 K-State adopted an official excused absence policy. The policy can be found in section F62 of the University Handbook.

Please review some Frequently Asked Questions here.

Some types of excused absences can be documented through Student Support & Accountability with submission of appropriate documentation. Outlined below are the types of documentation accepted for each type of excused absence, and information on how to submit the documentation to our office for verification.

Other absences may not be included under the excused absence policy, but can be verified through the Student Support & Accountability, per the section of the policy which outlines absences at the instructors discretion. These types of absences may include short-term illnesses (including COVID-19), family emergencies, attending a funeral, etc.

Students who are unable to document an absence, or have a type of absence not mentioned previously should email or call our office to consult. We understand many students have absences from classes for many reasons, and we work to advocate for students to faculty regarding circumstances whenever possible.

We do not verify absences for family vacations, weddings, or other non-academic travel.

If you have questions about an absence, please email or call our office at studentsupport@ksu.edu or 785-532-6432. Our email account is monitored during the semester Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Submit an Absence Verification Request - Manhattan Campus

Military Service

Students performing required National Guard or other United States military service obligations qualify for a University Excused Absence when those obligations require the student to miss class. In cases of annual training or active duty for more than two weeks, the student shall coordinate with their instructors, advisor, and Student Support & Accountability well in advance of such absences, in close temporal proximity to when the student receives the military orders. For more information, see k-state.edu/ nontrad/contactus.

Appropriate documentation may include: a copy of military orders which includes dates of absences.

Court Appearances

Students may request a University Excused Absence through Student Support & Accountability when the absence is necessary because of a mandated court appearance or other lawfully mandated appearance. Student Support & Accountability will evaluate the request and determine whether to approve. Instructors are required to adhere to attendance accommodations that are approved by Student Support & Accountability.

Appropriate documentation may include: letter from the courts indicating dates of jury duty service, subpoena, complaint, arrest warrant, summons, notice to appear, etc, with date of absence.

Pregnancy, Childbirth, or Adoption

Students may request a University Excused Absence through Student Support & Accountability when the absence is related to pregnancy, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption. Student Support & Accountability, in accordance with applicable laws, will evaluate the request and determine whether to approve. Instructors are required to adhere to attendance accommodations for students that are approved by Student Support & Accountability.

Appropriate documentation may include: copy of birth announcement provided by the hospital, letter from a doctor, which includes the date of hospital admission, adoption, etc. For situations in which documentation is not able to be released, additional considerations can be made by scheduling an appointment with SSA staff.

Religious Observance

Students may request through Student Support & Accountability a University Excused Absence to accommodate their religious observances for a sincerely held religious belief in circumstances where class attendance would interfere with the students’ ability to practice their religion. Student Support & Accountability will evaluate the request and determine whether to approve, in accordance with applicable laws. This means that in evaluating the request, Student Support & Accountability will balance the attendance requirement’s burden on the student’s practice of sincerely-held religious beliefs against any hardship to the University caused by the student’s absence. Instructors are required to adhere to attendance accommodations that are approved through this policy.

Appropriate documentation may include: a letter from a religious leader which includes confirmation of attendance at the religious ceremony, including the date of absence. Students are advised to provide documentation from a clergyman from their home organization if one is not available in the Manhattan area, or they have not established a relationship with a local entity. An example considered would be a student's request to move an exam off of a date of required fasting, or a student needing to travel to be present at a particular location on a certain date (without a more local alternative or alternative date available) in order to participate in a religious observation.

Specialist Appointments

Students may request a University Excused Absence through Student Support and Accountability when the absence is related to an appointment with a medical specialist due to complex, non-routine medical concerns (examples may include appointments with Veteran Affairs, consultations with specialized doctors, etc.). Student Support and Accountability will evaluate the request and determine whether to approve. The student shall coordinate with their instructors, advisor, and Student Support and Accountability in advance of such absences, or in close temporal proximity to when the student receives information regarding the scheduled appointment.

Appropriate documentation may include: Appointment confirmation, letter from medical provider indicating date/time of appointment, etc.

Severe Health Concerns, including Hospitalization

Students may request a University Excused Absence through Student Support and Accountability when the absence is related to a documented severe health concern, including hospitalizations. Student Support and Accountability will evaluate the request and determine the appropriate approval. In cases of extended required absences, the student shall coordinate with their instructors, advisor, and Student Support and Accountability. In the event a student has missed too much work to complete the course successfully, faculty can communicate with Student Support and Accountability to pursue other options, like a late drop, withdrawal, etc.

Appropriate documentation may include: Letter from a medical provider including the dates of hospitalization or impact of health on ability to attend classes or engage in coursework.

Weather

Please Note: For absences related to extra-curricular activities, disability, or special programming, review the policy to find the right representative to send a verification.