January 17, 2025
Absence policy reminder
As we begin a new semester, Student Support and Accountability reminds students about the absence policy, including expansion to excused absence categories, and about absences from classes for various reasons.
All students are responsible for reviewing the course attendance policies set by faculty in each of their courses and communicating in a proactive and timely manner concerning absences from courses, whether anticipated or unexpected. Student absences can be categorized into three types: excused, verified and other absences. The official policy can be found in F62 of the University Handbook.
This policy has been expanded as of fall 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 and 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 extracurricular 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 universitywide 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 and Accountability.
Typically, absences related to short-term illnesses, funerals, minor accidents, emergency situations, etc. fall under this category. Student Support and Accountability encourages students to work directly with faculty on these absences. In the event that a student's circumstances or absences become more complex or extended, students are encouraged to work directly with Student Support and 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 that do not fall under the above listed categories are entirely at the instructor's 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.
In any circumstance, students are encouraged to communicate with faculty about absences and concerns. It is the student's responsibility to reach out to faculty to initiate a conversation about missed content or establishing new deadlines for missed work. If students are having any difficulties, they are encouraged to contact Student Support and Accountability to discuss support and options. Call 785-532-6432, email studentsupport@k-state.edu or stop by Room 201 of Holton Hall between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.