An absence may be excused for the following reasons: student illness, death or illness of an immediate family member, or professional school interview. An absence may be considered unexcused for all other reasons, including but not limited to the following: attendance at a wedding, a non-emergency doctor's appointment, or an urgent meeting with another RVU employee. Every student who is unable to attend a required academic event (e.g. quiz, exam, lab, class) must fill out a digital Absence Notification and Approval Form. Students should complete the form, including a detailed explanation for the absence, and submit the form digitally through the appropriate platform. Students may be notified to meet with the Course Director(s) or the Program Director. Should a medical or another emergency (e.g. family crisis) occur that prevents a student from reporting to an examination or other required event on time, a student must notify (by email or phone call) the campus administrative assistant and Program Director as soon as possible, and preferably before the beginning of the examination/event. Students seeking an excused absence for a medical reason must provide a signed note from a licensed physician (DO or MD), PA, or NP indicating they were seen/treated. Family members, even those who are physicians, may not provide a note for excused absences. If a student is absent from a required event and does not provide an acceptable Absence Notification and Approval Form, the student may receive a grade of zero for that event.
The Absence Notification and Approval Form is available online on the RVU iNet.