Guidance for assisting students with class absence documentation

 

MEMORANDUM

The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) is receiving an increased number of inquiries from both faculty members and students about class absences. As such, we want to help clarify direction for these students.

For a COVID-related absence, please direct students in the following ways:

• Absence due to a positive COVID-19 test: Students should report the positive test result to TTU's central reporting portal. This is the guidance that is already provided in the Fall 2022 required syllabus statements:
  If you test positive for COVID-19, report your positive test through TTU's reporting system:  https://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/emergency/coronavirus/. Once you report a positive test, the portal will automatically generate a letter that you can distribute to your professors and instructors. 
• Absence is for fewer than five calendar days: This does not require involvement from the ODOS. If the student is requesting that these absences be excused for health-related reasons, Instructors of Record can request a “return to school” note. The student can provide such a note (which will not include sensitive medical information) directly to the instructor.
   
• Absence is for more than five calendar days: Students can then be directed to the ODOS for assistance with verifying documentation concerning an extended absence.

For non-COVID-19 class absences, the student should first refer to the course syllabus attendance policy. If the student needs additional assistance, the student may work directly with the faculty member in accordance with the course syllabus. The ODOS is available to assist faculty with the verification of medical documentation on an as needed basis. 

Please direct questions to the Office of the Dean of Students, deanofstudents@ttu.edu, 806-742-2984.