Absence from Class Notifications

Students are responsible for communicating directly with their instructors about any class absences, regardless of length. Review each course syllabus for attendance expectations and notify faculty as soon as possible if you will miss class.

The Dean of Students (DOS) Office only sends absence notifications when:

• A student is physically unable to notify their instructors, or
• A student will miss three (3) or more consecutive days of classes due to documented extenuating circumstances.

Please note that an absence notification does not excuse an absence or guarantee flexibility with coursework. Decisions about attendance and missed work remain at the discretion of the instructor.

Contact your instructors directly. The DOS Office does not send notifications or email faculty for short term absences.

Examples of Extenuating Emergencies include but are not limited to:

• Medical crises: Sudden severe illness, emergency surgery, or hospitalization.
• Family emergencies: Sudden death, severe injury, or care needs for an immediate relative.
• Natural disasters: Severe weather, floods, or fires rendering a home unsafe.
• Legal or military mandates: Required military service or jury duty.

Email the DOS Office (deanstu@geneseo.edu) with the reason for your absence and the dates you will miss. Include documentation when possible, especially for medical situations.

Students should submit the request themselves unless they are unable to do so.

If you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to contact the College, a family member or other support person may contact the DOS Office on your behalf.

Students with temporary conditions that significantly impact their ability to participate in classes (such as surgery, a concussion, pregnancy-related complications, or a broken bone) should contact the Office of Accessibility to discuss possible accommodations.

Short-term illnesses like colds or the flu generally do not qualify.

If you expect to miss two weeks consecutive or more, you might want to consider whether a leave of absence or medical leave is appropriate.

Extended absences can make it difficult to keep up with coursework, even if instructors are notified. The point in the semester may determine the options. The Dean of Students Office, Academic Advising, Office of Accessibility, or Enrollment Management are all offices that can help you explore your options.

• An absence notification is not an excuse for missing class.
• The DOS Office does not provide notifications for vacations, interviews, planned appointments, weddings, or personal events. These should be discussed with faculty directly.
• The DOS will not retroactively issue an absence notification or negotiate flexibility for a student who missed a substantial portion of a class or classwork due to circumstances that were not brought forward in a timely manner.
• The DOS Office does connect students with appropriate campus resources and support and, when necessary, provides guidance regarding possible alternatives when a student is unable to successfully complete a class.
• Student Health Services does not issue class excuses or absence notifications. Students who must be absent from class due to illness or injury should communicate directly with their faculty, and faculty members should handle those absences consistent with class and departmental policies, without expectation of a direct notification from the DOS or Student Health Services. Students may choose to share a visit summary from a provider with their instructor if appropriate.
• Students are responsible for contacting instructors about missed work and arranging make-up assignments.
• Questions about chronic disability-related attendance accommodations should be directed to the Office of Accessibility Services (access@geneseo.edu).

The DOS Office can answer questions or help you navigate a situation if you are unsure.

Office: College Union, Suite 353
Phone: 585-245-5706
Email: deanstu@geneseo.edu