Administrative Policy

Guidelines for Excused Absences

  1. Documented debilitating illness

    Debilitating illness are generally those for which bed rest or hospitalization are prescribed by a medical professional. The documentation should be by this individual or their representative. Necessary medical appointments that cannot be scheduled during non-class time are also allowed.

  2. Emergency leave

    Emergency leaves are for sudden, unplanned occurrences that require the student’s absence. The duration of the leave should be the minimal time required by the emergency.

    Transportation problems and flight schedules are not emergencies. Examples of emergencies include events such as: a death in the immediate family and a health crisis in the immediate family.

  3. Single-day course field trips

    For excused absences, students must be enrolled in the course that requires the field trip and participating in the field trip must be a mandatory part of the course. No course may have more than two mandatory field trips that conflict with other scheduled classes.

  4. Military obligations

    These activities must be obligatory and beyond the student’s control. Excused absences are not authorized for voluntary activities or for obligatory activities for which an alternate non-conflicting time was available.

  5. Varsity athletic contests

    The period of the excused absence is to be no longer than required for preparing for and participating in varsity contests. Transportation for away games should be scheduled to minimize absences from classes.

  6. Regimental band appearances

    This applies to occasions when the regimental band is representing the University. It does not apply to other instrumental ensembles or choral groups.

  7. Other absences as approved by instructors

    Course instructors may use their judgment in approving as excused absences any absences from their course not covered above.

All excused absences must conform with the limits described in the Academic Regulations. Absences described above in c. through f. must follow the advance notice process described in the Academic Regulations.