Medical Excuse Policy

The health center will only provide medical excuses to students for medical conditions that prevent a student from attending an exam, lab/group activity or more than 2 days absence from lectures AND meet the following conditions:

• A student health center provider is involved in the medical care AND
• The condition is deemed significant by the student health center provider AND
• Based on examination by the student health center provider, the student is advised not to attend class

OR

• The student has proof of a documented hospitalization

In general, the following conditions will NOT warrant a medical excuse:

• A request for a medical excuse from the student health center for verification of an illness after the illness is over.
• You miss class or an exam for an appointment at the student health center.
• A sinus/ear/eye/respiratory infection, sore throat, headache, cough without significant symptoms, i.e. fever.
• Gastroenteritis (abdominal pain/cramps/vomiting/diarrhea, unless there is fever and/or severe dehydration).
• Musculoskeletal conditions which do not prevent ambulation (such as minor ankle injuries, wrist sprains, etc.)

This policy is consistent with recommendations from the American College Health Association, as well as with the policies of other peer institutions. This policy is also consistent with our commitment to maintain confidentiality, to encourage appropriate use of healthcare resources, and to support meaningful dialogue between professor and student. Students are responsible to communicate directly with faculty regarding class attendance and/or completion of class assignments.
Further information regarding University attendance policies with regard to illness and emergencies can be found in the Student handbook. If professors require written documentation of a clinic visit to the st health center, due to the confidentiality of medical information, only the date and time of the visit will be provided.