Request For Excused Absence

The purpose of this form is to notify the designated office(s) and appropriate University officials that a student has submitted a request for a class absence notification due to a significant circumstance.

This form is intended for critical situations, including medical emergencies, hospitalizations, family emergencies, or other significant circumstances that may affect your ability to attend class. Before submitting this request, you are encouraged to contact your professors directly to discuss your situation whenever possible.

Supporting documentation is strongly encouraged and helps the designated office review your request. Please note that submitting this form and documentation does not guarantee that an absence notification will be approved or sent to your professors.

Examples of Situations

Examples of situations that may qualify for an absence notification include:

  • Hospitalization or medical emergency
  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Apartment fire or natural disaster
  • Crime victimization
  • Terminal illness or another significant emergency

The following should be addressed directly with your professor:

  • Routine doctor's appointments
  • Short-term illnesses (e.g., COVID-19, flu, cold, stomach virus)
  • Minor injuries or non-emergency medical concerns
  • Family events (e.g., weddings, graduations)
  • Job interviews
  • Personal or relationship conflicts

For non-emergency situations, instructors determine whether an absence is excused and how missed coursework will be handled.

Students with chronic or ongoing medical conditions may be referred to the Office of Accessibility Services to determine eligibility for temporary or ongoing classroom accommodations.

Before You Submit

Please Note:

  • Online requests are typically reviewed within five (5) business days, though some requests may require additional review and take longer.
  • If your situation requires immediate attention, please contact your professors as soon as possible.
  • A notification of absence from the designated office does not excuse your absence. Decisions regarding attendance, missed assignments, quizzes, exams, and other coursework remain at the discretion of your professor. We encourage you to follow up with your professors to discuss a plan for completing any missed work.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation is required before a class absence notification can be considered. Examples of acceptable documentation include notes from healthcare providers, hospital discharge paperwork, police reports, obituaries, or other official documents that verify the circumstances of your absence.

Please note that submitting documentation does not guarantee that an absence notification will be approved or sent. Additional documentation may be requested if needed to complete the review process.

The designated office will review your documentation but will not share the details or reasons for your absence with your professors. If your request is approved, faculty will receive only a notification of your absence.

If you have questions about the documentation required for your request, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@lincoln.edu or 484-365-7527.

Communicating with Your Professors About Class Absences

We encourage students to contact their professors as soon as possible if a personal, family, or medical situation affects their ability to attend class or complete coursework. Early communication helps professors understand your situation and discuss options for making up missed work.

Tips for communicating with your professor:

  • Email your professor as soon as you know you will miss the class.
  • Briefly explain your situation using general language (e.g., medical reasons, family emergency, personal circumstances, or ongoing health concerns). You do not need to share personal or medical details.
  • If available, provide documentation that verifies your absence.
  • Attend office hours or schedule a meeting to discuss missed classes, assignments, quizzes, or exams.
  • Work with your professor to develop a plan for completing missed coursework.
  • Continue to communicate if you expect to miss additional classes.

Sample Email

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to let you know that I was unable to attend [Course Name/Number] on [Date(s)] due to [medical reasons, a family emergency, or other personal circumstances].

I apologize for missing class and have been doing my best to stay current with the course. If needed, I can provide documentation to verify my absence.

Could we arrange a time to discuss any missed coursework and the best way for me to get caught up?

Thank you for your time and understanding. I appreciate your guidance.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
Student ID Number

Request for Excused Absence