Communicating with Instructors about an Absence
When to reach out
- Let your instructors know in advance if you anticipate challenges during the quarter. Keep them updated about any changes, including if things get better.
- In unexpected situations, communicate with your instructors as soon as possible. Use their preferred communication tool - usually email or Canvas. You may need to meet in person or by Zoom at some point.
- Review the syllabus to determine what the attendance policies in the class are and what work you may miss. If possible, share a draft plan for getting caught up.
What to say
- Be respectful and use professional language.
- Share an overview, but not every detail. For example, it’s okay to tell a professor that you’ve been sick, but they don’t need to know specific medical details.
- Tell what you are doing to address the situation and when you’ll be back.
Example email
Dear Professor,
I will be unable to attend class on Friday, 12/25 due to illness. I have an appointment at Student Health Services this afternoon and hope to be feeling up to returning to class by next Monday.
I have looked at the syllabus and can see that I will miss Quiz #3 on Friday. If you will allow me to make up that up, I can be ready to take it by next Wednesday. If my symptoms don’t improve in time for that, I will send you another message.
Sincerely,
STUDENT NAME
What to expect
- Your instructor may reach out to Student Engagement & Success to make sure you’re getting enough support.
- Some instructors request documentation as a part of being fair to the rest of the class.
- It is up to each individual professor to set the rules for their class. Instructors are within their rights to uphold the expectations laid out in the syllabus. It is possible that an instructor may not allow you to make up missed work or grant flexibility.
- Instructors are required to provide for academic accommodations documented through Disability Services. Learn more at https://www.cwu.edu/student-life/student-support/disability-services/
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