Student Absence Notification Policy

Students may find themselves missing classes due to different circumstances. The Student Absence Notification process is designed to serve as a resource and central point of contact for students who need to have their professors notified of their absences in emergency situations.

Non Emergency Student Absence Policy

(Minor illness, regular doctor's visit, dentist appointments, prearranged trips)

  The student is responsible for communicating directly with his or her instructor(s) when he or she is going to miss or has missed class. When possible, students finding it necessary to be absent from classes should make arrangements with their instructors prior to their absence. The student is also responsible for contacting each instructor to arrange for completion of required work, including missed assignments and exams. Official notification by the Dean of Students' Office to instructors when absence from classes is for a period of fewer than three (3) consecutive class days is generally not made. The Dean of Students' Office will not provide verification or proof of the legitimacy of the reason for an absence for non-critical or non-emergency situations.

Emergency Student Absence Policy and Procedure

(Absences caused by student's serious illness, hospitalization, or death or serious illness of close family member, which threaten the student's academic progress)

  When a student misses class for legitimate reasons/ emergency situations and when the absence from classes is likely to be for an extended period (generally three class days or more), students may contact the Dean of Students' Office by completing the "Absence Notification Request Form" ( available in person or online at www.shsu.edu/deanofstudents ) to request notification be sent their instructors. If the student is physically unable to contact the office, a family member may submit the notification request. The Dean of Students' Office will ask for the student's:

•  Name

•  Social Security # or Sam ID

•  Telephone number

•  Email address

•  Dates/anticipated duration of absence

•  Reason for absences (e.g., illness, hospitalization, etc.)

•  Documentation/Verification of emergency

Once information has been obtained and verified regarding a student's absence, the Dean of Students' Office will notify the student's instructors as requested. Notification of the absence will be by e-mail or campus mail. Notification of absences by the Dean of Students' Office does not excuse students from classes and/or course requirements; instructors' absence policies prevail. Students are also responsible for following up with their individual faculty members as soon as they are able to discuss possible arrangements for completing academic course requirements and assignments missed during absence.

Absence notices will not be granted after ten (10) business days from the last date of absence. The Dean of Students' Office reserves the right to grant or reject notification requests at any time for any student.

Absence Notification Request Form