August 12, 2024
Excused absence policy expansion
As faculty prepare their syllabi and course policies for the fall semester, Student Support & Accountability provides an overview of the absence policy and announces expansion to excused absence categories.
Faculty set and enforce their own attendance guidelines. The impact of absences of any kind should be clearly outlined in a syllabus for students to consider. Student absences can be categorized into three types: excused, verified and other absences. The official policy can be found in section F62 of the University Handbook.
This policy has been expanded as of Aug. 1, 2024, to include excused absences related to appointments with a specialist and severe health concerns, including hospitalization.
Excused Absences
Some types of excused absences can be verified through Student Support & Accountability. These absences include military service, court appearances, pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption, religious observances, specialist appointments, and severe health concerns, including hospitalization.
Excused absences related to disability reasonable accommodations are verified through the Student Access Center.
Excused absences related to extra-curricular activities as a representative of the university are verified through the sponsoring department or organization.
Excused absences related to weather and special programming and events are handled through university wide announcements.
All absences mentioned above, when verified through the designated office or entity, require instructors to adhere to attendance accommodations.
Verified Absences
Per the policy, K-State recognizes students may miss class for other reasons and other absences may be in the best interest of students' academic and professional development. On a case-by-case basis, instructors are encouraged to allow students to make up graded work from an absence.
Students are not required to verify short-term absences through Student Support & Accountability.
Typically absences related to short-term illnesses, funerals, minor accidents, emergency situations, etc. fall under this category. Student Support & Accountability encourages students to work directly with faculty on these absences. In the event a student's circumstances or absences become more complex or extended, students are encouraged to work directly with Student Support & Accountability to verify the circumstances and get support in communicating with faculty about the situation. Upon receipt of a verified absence notice, instructors are encouraged to consider allowing students to make up graded work from these absences.
Other Absences
Any other absences which do not fall under the above listed categories are entirely at the instructors discretion to accommodate. These absences may include family vacations, job interviews, weddings, or other non-academic travel. Students are encouraged to work directly with faculty on these types of absences but faculty are not required to provide any adjustments.
Please do not hesitate to contact Student Support & Accountability with questions or concerns about absences, especially as it pertains to student success. Faculty and staff are encouraged to fill out a student of concern referral form if they have concerns about a student and are looking to get them connected with resources and support. Absence related Frequently Asked Questions for students and faculty are available for reference.