Students at Louisiana State University (LSU) are expected to attend classes regularly, actively participate in academic responsibilities, and uphold a commitment to their educational journey. However, LSU also understands that certain circumstances can prevent students from attending class. For this reason, the LSU Excused Absence Policy exists to ensure that students facing legitimate, unavoidable situations can be fairly accommodated without facing academic penalties. This policy helps maintain the integrity of academic standards while providing flexibility for students managing personal, medical, or institutional obligations.
Understanding the LSU Excused Absence Policy
Purpose and Scope
The LSU Excused Absence Policy is designed to identify specific circumstances under which a student’s absence from class may be officially excused. This policy applies to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at LSU. It is meant to balance the importance of class attendance with compassion and fairness for students facing challenges that interfere with their ability to attend scheduled academic activities.
Applicability of the Policy
This policy is applicable across all courses and disciplines at the university. While faculty members maintain discretion over individual course attendance policies, they are expected to align their rules with university-wide excused absence guidelines. Instructors should accommodate students with approved absences by offering reasonable opportunities to make up missed work or exams.
Types of Excused Absences
Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absences
LSU categorizes certain situations as acceptable grounds for excused absences. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Medical Emergencies: Illness or injury requiring hospitalization or professional treatment
- Personal or Family Emergency: Death or serious illness of a family member
- University-Sanctioned Events: Participation in official LSU activities such as athletic events, academic competitions, or performances
- Religious Observances: Absences due to recognized religious holidays or practices
- Legal Obligations: Court appearances or jury duty
- Military Service: Obligations related to military duty or training
Documentary Proof Requirements
Students must submit appropriate documentation to validate their reason for absence. Depending on the nature of the absence, this could include:
- A note from a healthcare provider
- A death certificate or obituary
- A court summons or legal notice
- A letter from the LSU department organizing a university-sanctioned event
Documentation should be submitted promptly, ideally within one week of the absence, to ensure timely review and consideration by the instructor or relevant academic office.
Procedure for Requesting an Excused Absence
Communication with Instructors
Students are responsible for notifying their instructors in advance whenever possible. If the absence is predictable, such as a religious holiday or a scheduled university event, students should inform faculty members at the beginning of the semester or as soon as they become aware of the conflict.
In emergency cases, communication should occur as soon as the student is able. Early and respectful communication helps ensure a smoother process for coordinating makeup work or rescheduling exams.
Filing an Official Request
For certain types of absences, especially medical or family emergencies, students may be required to submit their request through the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability. This office reviews documentation, confirms the legitimacy of the request, and communicates with faculty when necessary.
Instructor Discretion and University Guidelines
While instructors retain discretion in handling absence-related requests, they are encouraged to follow university guidance and offer fair accommodations for excused absences. LSU supports faculty in promoting academic excellence while also providing equitable treatment for students who face genuine hardships.
Making Up Missed Work
Expectations for Students
Once an absence is approved as excused, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the instructor about missed work. This may include assignments, quizzes, class participation, group projects, or exams. Students should request deadlines for submission or propose reasonable timelines based on the length and nature of the absence.
Expectations for Instructors
Instructors are expected to offer reasonable opportunities for students to complete missed work due to excused absences. This does not mean lowering academic standards but adjusting deadlines or providing equivalent alternatives to ensure students can demonstrate their understanding and maintain progress in the course.
Unexcused Absences vs. Excused Absences
Impact on Grades
Unexcused absences may negatively affect a student’s performance, particularly in courses where participation, lab work, or group discussions play a vital role. In contrast, excused absences should not result in grade penalties. It’s important that students distinguish between excused and unexcused absences and take steps to avoid accumulating unapproved absences.
Role of Attendance Policies in Courses
Each instructor at LSU is permitted to develop a course-specific attendance policy. However, the university emphasizes that such policies must not contradict the official Excused Absence Policy. Students should carefully review the attendance rules in each course syllabus and understand how absences both excused and unexcused are handled.
Special Considerations and Accommodations
Students with Disabilities
Students registered with the Office of Disability Services may be entitled to additional attendance flexibility as part of their approved academic accommodations. These accommodations are designed to support students with chronic health conditions or disabilities that may interfere with regular attendance.
Extended Absences
For students facing prolonged illness, hospitalization, or crisis, LSU may arrange extended academic support through the Dean of Students’ office. In some cases, temporary withdrawals or incompletes may be advised to protect the student’s academic standing.
Best Practices for Students
Stay Informed
Students should review LSU’s Excused Absence Policy through official channels and make sure they understand their responsibilities. Being proactive about communicating and documenting absences makes a significant difference in how smoothly accommodations are handled.
Maintain Open Communication
Polite and timely communication with instructors shows responsibility and commitment to one’s academic journey. Professors are often more willing to work with students who demonstrate honesty, respect, and a desire to make up missed work.
Use Campus Resources
Students are encouraged to use LSU’s resources such as the Student Advocacy and Accountability Office, Mental Health Services, and the Academic Support Center for guidance related to absences, documentation, and academic recovery.
LSU’s Excused Absence Policy plays a vital role in ensuring academic fairness and personal well-being. It recognizes that students may occasionally face situations that interfere with class attendance and provides a framework for addressing those challenges responsibly. By setting clear guidelines, encouraging communication, and supporting both students and faculty, the policy helps maintain academic integrity while demonstrating LSU’s commitment to student success. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a university event, or an unexpected family issue, the excused absence policy ensures students are not academically punished for circumstances beyond their control.
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