Missing Class Due to Illness or Injury

Information on handling your academic responsibilities when you are sick or injured.

Getting sick or injured happens. Understanding the UO’s policy on course attendance and academic work and timely communication with your instructors is key to managing your responsibilities when you’re too sick or injured to attend class.

Step One: Listen to your body and follow medical advice. Staying home when you are sick or injured is an important part of recovering faster so you can get back to your learning. It also can help reduce the spread of communicable illnesses on campus.

Step Two: Consult your course syllabus on attendance policy, then communicate with your instructors about your absence and your plan to make up the work.

Can I obtain a “sick note” from UHS?

University Health Services does not routinely provide “sick notes” for students who miss class due to illness or injury. This policy is consistent with UHS’s commitment to maintain confidentiality, encourage appropriate use of healthcare resources, and support meaningful dialogue between instructors and students. It is also consistent with UO policy around course attendance.

What is the UO’s policy on course attendance and academic work?

The UO has adopted a “reason neutral” approach to absences from class and late work. Instructors set attendance requirements for each class based on minimum necessary attendance to ensure learning goals are achievable. This requirement will be different from class to class and should be clearly outlined in your syllabus. University policies on accessible education involving reasonable accommodations are an exception to the reason-neutral aspect of course attendance policy. Refer to the UO Course Attendance and Engagement policy and interpretation of the policy. There are also guidelines for instructors on understanding reasonable accommodations.

Students are responsible for promptly notifying instructors about unanticipated absences caused by illness or injury, preferably prior to class time. You should follow the directions provided by your instructors in the course syllabus. While you don’t have to provide medical details, it is important to include information about estimated time out of class and how you plan to fulfill your academic responsibilities while working through your illness or injury. You can find more information on handling temporary illnesses and injuries through the Accessible Education Center.

What if I need support communicating with my professor?

The Accessible Education Center and Dean of Students Care and Advocacy Program are good resources.

What if I need an extended absence or need to withdraw from a course?

Students with an extended illness or significant disability should contact the Accessible Education Center for help and guidance. If needed, UHS can often provide letters for AEC to help support a need for academic accommodations or medically appropriate withdrawal from a term.

Resources