When you are sick or injured

Handling your academic responsibilities

Getting sick or injured happens

Understanding the Student Health Center’s approach to written excuses and timely communication with your instructors is key to managing your responsibilities when you are too sick or injured to attend class.

Where to Start

1

Rest. Listen to your body and follow medical advice. Rest is an important part of recovering faster so you can get back to learning.

2

Call the Student Health Center 24/7 nurse line (573-882-7481) for advice about how to care for an illness or injury at home or to receive guidance about when to see a health care provider.

3

Review your course syllabus. You are responsible for notifying your instructors about unanticipated absences caused by illness or injury, preferably prior to class time. Make sure to follow the process outlined in your syllabus for notifying your instructor.

Our Approach to Doctors' Notes and Written Excuses

Consistent with the American College Health Association and the policies of our peer institutions, the Student Health Center does not provide written excuses for students who miss class or assignments due to short-term illness or injury.

When you see a health care provider solely to get an excuse:

  • You incur the cost of the visit.
  • These visits take appointments that could be offered to students who need medical care, which increases wait times for appointments.
  • You risk aggravating your illness or injury by travelling to an appointment.
  • Those with contagious diseases risk exposing others.

The Student Health Center is committed to offering medical care and necessary documentation to students experiencing serious or prolonged illnesses, injuries or disabilities. If needed, we are also able to provide visit verification to the student upon request.

Guidelines for Faculty

We encourage faculty members to communicate with students to help them identify ways they can fulfill their academic responsibilities without jeopardizing their health or that of others. We appreciate any flexibility you can offer students who are unwell, practicing self-care or isolating to prevent the spread to others.

Please be aware that federal and state privacy laws prevent Student Health Center from sharing medical information unless the student signs a release form. The Student Health Center can verify the legitimacy of documentation but cannot confirm if a student was seen without a signed authorization.