November 20, 2024
Reminder about absence policy expansion
As we prepare to wrap up the semester, Student Support and Accountability reminds faculty about the expansion of the excused absence policy, effective beginning fall 2024.
The expansion adds two categories to the excused absence policy, which are specialist appointments and serious health concerns, including hospitalization. In the event you receive a notice excusing a student's absence for one of the eight categories, instructors are required to adhere to attendance accommodations, per the policy, F62.
The majority of absences will fall under the verified category, which include absences like short-term illnesses and funerals. As a reminder, Student Support and Accountability will not verify short-term absences in the verified category. Our policy is to direct students back to faculty to encourage a conversation and work to educate them about the types of absences and how their absence may or may not be covered under the established policy instructors implement at the beginning of their course.
If you are working with a student who has had extenuating circumstances that have led to long-term absences or contributed to general academic challenges, no matter the reason, please consider referring the student to Student Support and Accountability to talk about resources and support. Faculty receive notices from Student Support and Accountability verifying general circumstances and difficulties, which do not require faculty to work with students but provide a verification of the legitimacy of the circumstances. Student Support and Accountability always encourages students to initiate conversations with their instructors to discuss options and next step.
Students and faculty are encouraged to contact Student Support and Accountability with questions or concerns, and you can read frequently asked questions and answers on our website.