Services

Excuses for Absences and
Emergency Notification

Students are expected to attend class each time it meets. When it is necessary that a student misses class due to illness, emergency, or other unavoidable circumstances, the Office of the Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs is here to help.

Always secure documentation verifying the occurrence causing the absences, (doctor's note). It is a good practice to attempt to resolve the absence with your instructor. If the policy of the professor is that a formal letter of excuse must be obtained, then the student should make contact with our office, located in R. C. Cook University Union, Room 219. The office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed noon - 1 p.m. for lunch. While an appointment is not required, it is suggested that one be made should you desire time to discuss unusual circumstances surrounding the absence. You may make an appointment by calling 601-266-4025.

The goal of this office is to help those students experiencing difficulty. In the event of an unforeseeable emergency outside of the normal work day, feel free to contact this office via e-mail at vrita.delaine@usm.edu or you may fax your documentation and request to 601-266-6331. A cover sheet is not necessary and your privacy is protected, as no one will see your fax except the office personnel.

Another issue that is really important to note is that the office screens very closely all documented evidence presented and reserves the right to call and verify any and all documentation. Anyone found to be presenting evidence that is false or altered will be referred to the Dean of Student's Office for disciplinary sanctions. (See the Student Handbook for the Student Code of Conduct, particularly the section on Prohibited Conduct).

For your convenience, a form can be obtained, completed, and printed to bring to the office for your excuse. Click here to download form.

Note: Completion of this form without documentation will not result in the awarding of an excuse.