Student Absence Notification Request Form

The Student Absence Notification Request Form is intended to support students experiencing critical situations and/or significant medical or family emergencies that may impact their ability to attend class or participate in instructional activities. Consistent with the University of Houston Excused Absence Policy, students are encouraged to communicate directly with their instructors regarding absences as soon as possible.  

Supporting documentation is required to assist the Care Team in reviewing and verifying the reported circumstances. Submission of an absence notification request does not automatically excuse an absence or guarantee academic accommodations, as determinations regarding excused absences and make-up work remain subject to university policy and instructor discretion.

Examples of situations that may warrant an absence notification include: 

• Apartment fire or natural disaster  
• Concussions or other serious injuries  
• Death of a family member or loved one  
• Hospitalization  
• Life-threatening medical conditions  
• Mental health emergencies  
• Terminal illness  
• Legal or Government Proceeding  

Non-emergency absences are generally expected to be addressed directly between the student and their instructor. Situations that typically do not qualify for an absence notification include: 

• Routine doctor’s appointments  
• Short-term, self-limited illnesses (e.g., cold, flu, COVID-19, stomach virus)  
• Family events (e.g., graduations, weddings)  
• Job interviews  
• Relationship conflicts  
• Minor slips or falls  
• Non-emergency medical concerns, including:  
  
  • Allergies  
  • Routine respiratory or viral illnesses  
  • Scrapes, sprains, or other minor injuries  
  • Minor health concerns not requiring hospitalization  
• Professional and Educational Activities 
• University Sponsored Activities 
• Athletic Competition  

For non-emergency concerns, students should contact their instructors directly regarding missed coursework or attendance. Please note that decisions regarding excused absences and academic accommodations remain at the discretion of the instructor. 

Students experiencing chronic or ongoing medical or health conditions may be referred to Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center to explore reasonable accommodations, including temporary accommodations when appropriate. 

Documentation of Circumstances

Supporting documentation is required before an absence of notification can be reviewed and processed. Examples of acceptable documentation may include notes from licensed treatment providers, hospital discharge paperwork, obituaries, or other materials that help verify the reported circumstances. 

Submission of documentation does not guarantee that an absence notification will be issued. Additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of the Care Team staff to support the review process. 

To protect student privacy, the Care Team will not share specific details regarding the nature of a student’s absence with instructors or other university personnel. 

For questions regarding documentation requirements or the absence notification process, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 832-842-6142.  

Please Note 

• The Care Team responds to absence of notification requests within approximately two business days. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with their instructors as soon as possible regarding missed classes, coursework, or exams.  
• In accordance with the University of Houston Excused Absence Policy, students are responsible for notifying instructors of absences and providing appropriate documentation when requested.  
• An absence of notification from the Care Team serves as supportive outreach and verification of a reported circumstance but does not automatically excuse an absence or guarantee extensions, make-up work, or academic flexibility. Determinations regarding excused absences and academic adjustments are made in accordance with university policy and at the discretion of the instructor, college dean, or dean’s designee.  
• Students are encouraged to follow up directly with their instructors after submitting an absence notification request to discuss course expectations, make-up work, and available academic options.