September 18, 2024
I missed class, now what?
Student Support and Accountability offers guidance on class absences and frequently asked questions. Students can learn more about absence verifications on the absence website.
I missed class, what should I do?
Students are encouraged to contact faculty about any anticipated or unexpected absences from classes. Instructors set and enforce their own attendance guidelines, which may differ in each course. Check your class syllabus for more information about attendance requirements and policies.
Which types of absences are excused? What does it mean to have an excused absence?
Excused absences at K-State are limited to extra-curricular activities as a representative of the university, military service, court appearances, disability reasonable accommodations, pregnancy, childbirth or adoption, religious observances, specialist appointments, severe health concerns, including hospitalization, weather, and special programming and events.
If students have an absence in one of the above-listed categories, and it has been verified through the proper source, instructors shall provide the opportunity to either make up or excuse, at the instructor's discretion, any missed assignments, activities, and/or attendance-specific points that contribute to the course grade. Students can read more about the policy in section F62 of the University Handbook.
What about absences due to illness, emergency, or funerals?
Although absences related to short-term illness, emergency situations and funerals are not under the excused category, they usually fall under a type of absence that can be excused at the instructor's discretion. We recommend students communicate directly with their instructors about these absences, and when appropriate, provide documentation of the circumstances. Please ensure the email to professors is professional and timely. The Academic Achievement Center has a great email etiquette document on its website that students can use.
What about absences due to family vacations, weddings, job interviews, or similar events?
Absences that are pre-planned but do not fall under the excused or verified categories are not required for instructors to make any adjustments. Events that are pre-planned should be addressed with faculty at the beginning of the semester so appropriate planning can occur and students can make scheduling adjustments if necessary.
I emailed my professors but haven't heard back. What should I do?
We recommend stopping by your instructor's office during the established office hours or catching them before or after class to arrange another time to talk about the concern or absence. You can also check the course syllabus to see the preferred communication methods and default to the indicated method — email, Canvas, phone, office hours, etc.
What if I have a long-term absence or other personal challenge impacting me in class?
Please consider meeting with staff in Student Support and Accountability to discuss your concerns. They can help you problem solve, connect you with resources, and verify circumstances with faculty, when appropriate. You can find your liaison and schedule on our website.
If you have questions about an absence, please email or call Student Support and Accountability at studentsupport@k-state.edu or 785-532-6432. Our email account is monitored during the semester from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.