Penn State Intercom......August 29, 2002

New policy eliminates
issuance of minor illness excuses

A new University Health Services (UHS) verification of illness policy eliminates "class absentee excuses" for minor illnesses. This policy reflects a commitment to viewing students as adults and was developed after consultation with the Faculty Senate, the Administrative Council on Undergraduate Education and others involved with the Senate's revised Policy 42-27, Class Attendance. The Senate's expectation is that class attendance matters will be handled responsibly.

The amended Faculty Senate policy, which is effective this fall, states that students who miss class due to legitimate, unavoidable reasons such as illness, injury or family emergency should have the opportunity to make up evaluative events. While notifying the instructor in a timely manner (prior to class when feasible) is a key expectation, the Senate policy does not mandate official documentation of student illness or other unavoidable reasons for absence such as funerals or religious observances. The amended policy also states, however, that false claims by a student "may be considered violations of the policy on Academic Integrity."

Faculty with questions concerning a specific student may contact a nurse manager at UHS at (814) 865-7120. Due to patient confidentiality, however, UHS cannot release specific information concerning the nature of an illness or injury without the student's consent.

Back