Explained and Long Term Absences

Student Absences

We understand that emergency situations can arise where a student may be absent from their courses, for an extended period of time or a short period of time, and is not able to communicate with their faculty. Absences can disrupt a student coursework temporary. In an event such as this, the Dean of Students office will notify the faculty, on behalf of the student, of the absence.

An example of when this might be used is a student being hospitalized for a serious illness or injury and the Dean of Students office is contacted by the student, a family member, or family friend.

Students should refer to their course syllabi for specific course absence information and their individual instructors upon return to campus to discuss the impact of their absence. The reason for the absence is not verified by our office and every effort is made to clarify student understanding that an explained absence is not the same as an excused absence.

I WANT TO REPORT AN Absence

Common Absence Reasons

Although illness or medical concerns may disrupt a student's coursework temporarily, the University does not have an excused absence policy for these reasons. Students should refer to their course syllabi or contact their faculty member(s) directly to determine if their faculty will excuse the absence or if they will be permitted to make-up work. The Dean of Students Office will reach out to faculty to notify them of any illness or medical concerns.
Students are responsible for all material covered in class and must work with each individual faculty member(s) as soon as they return to complete any required work. The Dean of Students Office will reach out to faculty to notify them.
Military students should work directly with the Veterans’ Student Services staff when they have knowledge of their military duty or training. The Veterans’ Student Services staff and student will work directly with the Dean of Students staff to notify the student’s faculty.

Military students or dependents seeking to drop their courses as a result of active orders should work directly with the Veterans’ Student Services staff. Please refer to the Policy for Military Students and Dependents Regarding Class Drops and Refunds Associated with Active Orders.
Although this absence may disrupt a student's coursework temporarily, the University does not have an excused absence policy for this reason. Students should refer to their course syllabi or contact their faculty member(s) directly to determine if the absence will be excused or if the student will be permitted to make-up work.
Although this absence may disrupt a student's coursework temporarily, the University does not have an excused absence policy for this reason. Students should refer to their course syllabi or contact instructors directly to determine if the absence will be excused or if the student will be permitted to make-up work.
Legal Affairs and Compliance assist students who are seeking religious accommodations. Visit the Accommodation Resources page or contact DeputyComplianceOfficer@missouristate.edu.
In compliance with the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the university supports students who are experiencing pregnancy or parenting related issues. The support is for the student who is pregnant, as well as the other parent or spouse of the person who is pregnant. Review accommodation resources.

For more information, please visit the pregnancy and parenting website. In addition, you may contact the Deputy Compliance Officer at DeputyComplianceOfficer@MissouriState.edu.

To report an extended absence, please contact the Dean of Students office by telephone at 417-836-5527 or by emailing DeanofStudentsoffice@missouristate.edu.