Absence

Western will not “excuse” a student from classes. However, the Office of Student Affairs will send memos to a student’s faculty if they have missed or plan on missing classes. Memos will be sent to faculty only if the student provides documentation of their absence, including the days missed and the reason. A memo will not be sent until the office has received verification of the absence. Memos do not excuse a student from class; they are simply a verification of absence. Students are advised to personally notify their faculty as soon as possible about any absences and inform the Office of Student Affairs.

Note:
The Office of Student Affairs is notified and verifies only the reason for the absence. Class attendance requirements are an independent faculty decision. Please be advised that faculty members decide their class’s attendance requirements, and usually note the requirement on the syllabus at the beginning of each semester.

• Bring documentation of absence to the Office of Student Affairs.
• Make sure all notes include the days missed and the reason.
• Even if a doctor faxes a note, the student still must notify Student Affairs before a memo is sent to faculty. If a doctor would like to fax a note, fax it to 970.943.2254.

In the interest of not spreading illness, please do not bring in verification in person if you are ill and still contagious. Please wait until your illness is no longer contagious, or have your doctor fax your verification of absence.