What should my student do if they are going to be absent from class?

Attending class is important for your student’s academic success.  Individual faculty members have different rules and guidelines on expectations for attendance in their class; these are typically outlined in the class syllabus. It is the discretion of each instructor to excuse the absence or allow make-up work for missed assignments and exams. Your student is responsible for notifying their instructor(s), preferably ahead of time, of class absence(s) and should discuss their specific circumstance.

If your student will be absent for three or more consecutive days, and the absence is due to illness or another emergency, your student may contact Care Management, (573) 341-4211, or cm@mst.edu, to request an absence notification be issued to their current instructors and academic advisor.  If your student is unable to contact the Care Manager, the absence notification may be requested by someone on their behalf.  A copy of the notice will be sent to your student, and it will be their responsibility to follow-up with instructors as soon as possible to discuss options for missed work.  The Care Manager will typically contact your student after notification is issued to offer support and assistance as they resume their academic responsibilities.

Additionally, if your student visits Student Health Services, they may request a written confirmation of their visit for an illness or injury during the time of their office visit.  Students should be aware that neither the Care Manager nor Student Health Services have the authority to grant excuses/exemptions from class, those decisions remain with the faculty member. Absences shorter than three days can be addressed directly with the instructor per their established attendance policy.  If circumstances arise that make this challenging, contact the Care Manager for assistance.

What if my student will be absent the day a mathematics exam is scheduled?

The Mathematics Department gives exams to students in quarantine, and faculty assist in making sure that students’ needs are met.  The S&T Testing Center is typically used to give Zoom proctored exams, so no quarantined students are disadvantaged.  Coordinating with the Testing Center relies on timely communication, which requires that the student provides advance notice. Students are encouraged to give professors as much notice as possible if they will be absent on the day a test is scheduled.

The syllabus for all foundational math classes includes language that says the following:

1. “Your lowest exam score will be dropped at the end of the semester. This accommodates students who miss an exam, or do not perform well on an exam, for any reason that is beyond their control.  Furthermore, if you are satisfied with the scores on your first four exams, then you do not need to take the final exam.”
2. “Missed exams will not be given. If the University provides the instructor with an official notification that you are unable to take an exam in person by 4:30 PM one business day prior to the exam, the instructor will email you with instructions concerning alternate testing accommodations at the same day and time as the regularly scheduled test.”

Problems, when they arise, almost invariably happen when a student contacts a professor on the day of the test (sometimes just moments before the test) and requests a testing accommodation.  The Math Department faculty work diligently with such students whenever possible, even when they don’t provide sufficient notice.  The faculty communicate this testing policy to their students from the very first day of class, and strive to be as accommodating, flexible, and compassionate as possible.

Parent & Family Relations

Norwood 107• 320 W. 12 Street / parents@mst.edu

Phone: 573-341-4209 • Website: http://parents.mst.edu/

Facebook: Parent & Family Relations at Missouri S&T