Policy

Class Absence Notification Policy (GEN 4.B.9)

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Policy # [####]
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Dean of Students Office Absence Notifications (GEN 4.B.9)

The Dean of Students Office does not send absence notifications, out-of-class emails, or excused absence letters for students.

If a student misses classes for any reason, they should notify all instructors via email as soon as possible.

The Dean of Students Office can email a student’s instructor on the student’s behalf if the student is hospitalized or unable to contact their instructor(s) due to an emergency.

Instructors have the right to follow their attendance policies posted in their syllabus and reserve the right to accept or deny absence requests to preserve the integrity of their course. If a syllabus requires verification, an instructor may ask the student to bring any documentation (medical note/obituary/etc) needed. The Student Health Center will not provide medical/class excuse letters.

Students with concerns about the attendance policy of a faculty member and/or their ability to make up missed coursework should follow the complaint/grievance process for the college of the course.

For information about the UWO’s Class Attendance Policy, please read the policy here.

  • The University will not provide out of class excuse notes for participation in all-University However, instructors may request verification of participation in events (ex: athletics, university sponsored trips, etc).

Please note that Classroom Testing is no longer an area in Testing services – professors are responsible for their own tests, including make up exams. Please see the Accommodated Testing Website for more information.

Absences must be granted if required and requested through an approved accommodation, an accommodation of religious beliefs, required military obligations, or Title IX. Absences or modifications requested due to these circumstances are not subject to the instructor’s discretion.

Request for Flexibility

The Dean of Students Office may email professors to advocate for flexibility in extreme circumstances. Examples include emergency physical/mental health concerns and/or family emergencies.

Requests for flexibility do not serve as excused absences, as excused absences are at the discretion of each instructor. Student must work with their instructor(s) to discuss any missed assignments, quizzes, or exams.

The Dean of Students Office will always encourage student to follow up with the instructors to discuss any missed work and to receive appropriate academic support.