Academic Notification

What is an Academic Notification?

The Dean of Students Office can support students experiencing disruptions to their academic pursuits with an academic notification. The academic notification process is intended to provide information to faculty regarding student absence(s) that they may use to determine whether or not to excuse the absence and/or permit make-up work. 

Academic notifications do not excuse students from class nor ensure that make-up work will be permitted; this authority rests only with the instructor.

Students are always encouraged to notify their instructors as soon as possible of their absence from classes, in advance if possible, and to develop a plan, with a timetable, to make up missed coursework. Students should work directly with their professors for non-emergency situations.

How do I request an academic notification?

• Submit your request. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation at the same time you submit the request. Note documentation must be official. If documentation is not provided, your request may be denied. 
• We will review your request during normal business hours. If approved, we will send you and your instructor(s) a PDF letter.
•  If your request is denied, you will receive a communication alerting you of the denial.

What if I am not eligible for an academic notification?

We encourage students who do not meet the criteria or do not have documentation for an academic notification, to work directly with their instructor(s) and discuss how the absence will be managed.

What if my course schedule is all online?

We encourage students to communicate with their instructors regarding their absence. If your online instructor requests an academic notification, then complete the form [TD4] and include supporting documentation.

What type of absence will be approved through the academic notification process?

The Dean of Student staff can verify absences due to life events that are beyond the scope of your control, including:

• Illness or death of a family member or friend
• Medical appointments or hospital admission
• Court Subpoenas and/or Jury Duty
• Military orders
• Faith-based practices
• Accident/Crime victimizations
• Death in the family

The Dean of Students staff cannot provide an academic notification for the following reasons but not limited to:

• Family celebrations
• Planned events, such as vacations or trips
• Inclement weather
• Relationship conflicts
• Roommate conflicts
• Family member acute illness
• Death of pets

If your course instructor requires documentation to substantiate your situation, complete a Request for Academic Notification.      

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