Excuse Note for Missing Class or Work Policy

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Summary

It is each student’s responsibility to meet all course and work requirements that are set by their instructors and supervisors. In the event that a student feels that they are too ill to fulfill academic or work obligations, the student must communicate with their instructor/supervisor directly.

Policy Information

  • Unit: Student Health Services 
  • Date Established: 01/30/2020
  • Date Last Updated: 09/15/2022

Policy Statement

Student Health Services will not formally excuse a student from class or work with a written note, except in the case of serious illness or public health concern. If a student feels that they are too ill to attend class, take an exam, go to work, or complete an assignment, the student must notify their instructor and/or supervisor.

If the student has an appointment with Student Health Services, the student can complete a release of information consent form at the time of the visit. With this consent form on file, Student Health Services can verify the date of a student’s visit to our office as well as the extent of their illness.

After the student provides written permission (the completed consent form), the Instructor/supervisor can then contact Student Health Services by phone (716-829-3316) provide the student's UB person number to obtain verification information.

Instructors and/or supervisors have the authority to determine whether they will accept a personal report of illness as a valid excuse.

Responsibility

Students

  • Communicate with course instructors if you are unable to attend class, or complete an assignment or test.
  • Communicate with supervisors if you are unable to fulfill work obligations.

Procedure

  • If the need arises to miss class, a test, an assignment or work obligations, communicate with the instructor or supervisor.
  • If the instructor or supervisor requires details of your illness in order to excuse you from academic obligations, provide Student Health Services with written permission to allow them to verify the office visit date, and the extent of your illness.
  • The instructor/supervisor can contact Student Health Services by phone (716-829-3316) and provide the student's UB person number to obtain verification information. 

Contact

For additional information, please contact:

University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd
Amherst, NY 14226

Phone: (716) 829-3316; Fax: (716) 829-2564