Guide to writing an explanation for a permitted absence
You need to inform your instructor in writing if you miss a class or
discussion section for a reason that falls within the University's
policies on approved absences. Reasons falling in this category
are illness, illness of a dependent, religious observance that prevents
your presence during the class period, participation in University
activities at the request of University authorities, and compelling
circumstances beyond the student's control. We expect that you
will inform us of all absences in advance whenever possible.
Please note that your doctor will need to provide a medical excuse for
illnesses that keep you out of class for one week or longer, or when
you are hospitalized.
Below, we provide a guide to help you write an explanation for a
short-term absence. The University requests that you
hand-write and sign your note rather than simply printing out something
we have prepared. You would fill in specific dates, reasons, etc.
in the appropriate spaces marked with parenthesis in the example
below.
This guide contains the minimum information we need to understand your
request. We have no interest in prying into your private matters,
so a simple statement of illness, for instance, is sufficient. We
do need a list of other classes you have missed, an acknowledgment that
providing false information is a violation of the Code of Student
Conduct, and your name and signature.
I was unable to attend class on (date) because of (reason). This
reason falls within the University's policies on approved absences, and
I ask that you reschedule or waive my missed work.
In addition to missing (course), I list the other classes I missed for
the reason given above:
(date) (course) (section) (instructor name)
(date) (course) (section) (instructor name)
(date) (course) (section) (instructor name)
(date) (course) (section) (instructor name)
(date) (course) (section) (instructor name)
I understand that providing false information on my absence is
misconduct subject to disciplinary action according to part 9(h) of the
Code of Student Conduct, and that sanctions for violating the Code
include suspension and expulsion.
Signed,
(printed name) (SID) (signed name) (date)