Student Support

 

---

Students sometimes encounter circumstances that make it difficult to manage classes, university responsibilities or everyday needs. The Office of the Dean of Students can help you understand your options, identify appropriate university processes and connect with campus or community resources.

If you are unsure where to start, use the information below to find the resource that best matches your situation.

Class Absences & Absence Verification

If you expect to miss class, contact your instructors as soon as possible. Students who will miss less than a week of class are generally encouraged to communicate directly with their instructors and provide documentation if requested.

Talking With Your Instructor About an Absence

• Contact your instructor as early as possible, especially for a planned absence.
• Explain that you will be missing class and provide a general reason for the absence.
• Let your instructor know how long you expect to be away, if known.
• Ask about missed assignments, exams or other course requirements.
• Provide documentation if your instructor requests it.

Does an Absence Verification Excuse My Absence?

No. Your instructor determines whether an absence is excused based on course policies and other applicable university requirements. Review your course syllabus and communicate directly with your instructor about missed coursework.

What if a Health Condition Regularly Affects My Classes?

If a chronic illness, disability or other ongoing condition affects your ability to attend or participate in class, contact Student Disability Services to learn about possible accommodations.

Student Disability Services

Drop, Withdrawal & Other Academic Options

If personal, medical, financial or other circumstances are affecting your ability to continue in one or more classes, it is important to understand the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from the university.

Before You Drop or Withdraw

Dropping or withdrawing can have financial and academic consequences. Before making a decision, talk with your academic advisor and any university offices that may be affected, particularly Student Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Graduate students should work with their academic program and the Graduate School before changing enrollment.

Registration Holds

If a registration hold prevents you from completing a withdrawal or another university process, contact the office that placed the hold. Only that office can remove it.

Grades & Academic Standing

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade may be assigned when a student has been doing satisfactory work but cannot complete course requirements because of circumstances beyond their control. The instructor determines whether an incomplete is appropriate and establishes the remaining requirements and deadline.

Students who believe an incomplete may be appropriate should speak directly with their instructor about their circumstances and remaining coursework.

Academic Standing

Academic standing is based on a student's academic performance and may affect continued enrollment at Texas Tech. Academic standing can include good standing, warning, probation, suspension or dismissal.

If you have questions about your academic standing or what you need to do next, start with your academic advisor or academic college.

Academic Standing Information

Returning & Graduate Students

Former Texas Tech Students

If you previously attended Texas Tech and want to return, you may need to complete the Former Tech readmission process. Your academic advisor or Admissions can help determine which requirements apply to your situation.

Former Tech Readmission

Graduate Students

Graduate students with questions about academic progress, enrollment changes, financial support or extended absences should work with their academic program and the Graduate School. Some undergraduate processes described on this page may not apply to graduate students.

Graduate School

Additional Student Support

Academic challenges are often connected to circumstances outside the classroom. Support is available for students experiencing financial concerns, health issues, housing or food needs, mental health concerns, pregnancy or parenting needs and other personal circumstances.

Campus Resources

Many student needs are best addressed directly by the university office that provides the service. These are common starting points for students seeking support.