Academic Absence

Occasionally while in pursuit of a degree, students will need to miss class to address personal, medical or family situations. During those times the Student Support Care staff can help to be sure faculty are notified of absences and the student receives outreach to make sure they have supports needed to get or stay on track academically.

Common reasons a student may be absent from the university include: death of a family member, medical appointment (off campus), court appointment, hospitalization, etc. The Student Health Center and Student Counseling Center may provide notes for urgent visits to their office during a class period. In those circumstances, the student does not need an additional notification from our office.

This notification will be provided to faculty and university housing as applicable. This notification will be provided as a courtesy. It does not excuse the student from any of the work required in class, but only to make pertinent individuals aware of the situation. The student should discuss any missed assignments or exams with faculty upon return to campus.

We do not provide specifics of the absence or personal details related to the student’s situation, simply that they will be absent from class during the dates provided.

Extended absences or hospitalizations may need to be addressed through medical withdrawal from the university or other accommodations. Please review the accordion tabs below for more information or contact Student Support by using the Connect to Care link below.

Connect to Care

For more information on resources to give someone in the moment, please visit our SRU Concern Center Resource Page.

Physical Health Hospitalization

The health and wellness of Slippery Rock University students is of utmost importance to the University. Slippery Rock University students who are hospitalized as a result of a physical health condition and wish to return to campus are advised to complete the steps outlined below to ensure full access to resources and options post hospitalization.

For the purposes of this process, hospitalization refers to an admission to a hospital or treatment facility, including intensive outpatient/day treatment, or release against medical advice. Students who are transported to the hospital but released without admission should check in with Student Support upon their return to the university.

It is the responsibility of the student/designated guardian/health care facility or campus personnel aware of the situation to notify Student Support of hospitalization/pending release for a physical or condition. The University recommends that the hospitalized student/guardian/health care facility take the following steps:

When hospitalized:

Phone Student Support at 724.738.2121 for notification of absence. This notification will be provided to faculty and university housing as applicable. This notification will be provided as a courtesy. It does not excuse the student from any of the work required in class, but only to make pertinent individuals aware of the situation. The student should discuss any missed assignments or exams with faculty upon return to campus.

Prior to return to the University: Students must also be evaluated by a licensed clinician, and provide a typewritten letter printed on letterhead from the licensed clinician stating a description of the condition for which the student was treated, recommendations for a treatment plan-including medications and dosages, if applicable and the clinician’s assessment of the student’s ability to meet academic requirements. If the student resides in University housing, the documentation should include the student’s capacity to observe the community standards of residential living. All materials can be submitted to Student Support.

Upon return to the University:

Once a student returns to campus it is the expectation that the student meets with a Care case manager. The purpose of this meeting is to review any needs identified in the recommended treatment plan from the medical provider and to confirm access to support systems necessary for the health and well-being of the student. Some examples of things we can talk about are missed coursework, safe housing, how to talk to friends/teammates about hospitalization, parental notification, support systems, and follow up care. To make an appointment to meet with a Care case manager the student should call Student Support at 724.738.2121 and ask to schedule a post hospitalization meeting.

Medical Withdrawal from the University:

Students requiring a long leave from campus due to a medical condition may be eligible for a medical withdrawal from their course work. While medical withdrawal is an option, it may not be the best option depending upon the student’s current academic or financial status. If you feel a medical withdrawal would be best given your circumstances, please contact Student Support to discuss.

Mental Health Hospitalization

The health and wellness of Slippery Rock University students is of utmost importance to the University. Slippery Rock University students who are hospitalized as a result of a mental health condition and wish to return to campus are advised to complete the steps outlined below to ensure full access to resources and options post hospitalization.

Student Support

Academic Absence

Student Support

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