Attendance Issues

Absences and missed exams

As an IU student, it is your responsibility to attend all your classes and submit your assignments according to the syllabus provided at the beginning of each course.

If you have a concern about the need to miss class or an assignment, you should discuss this concern with your instructor as soon as possible.

Absence notification memos

If you are hospitalized or have a family emergency, contact the Dean of Students Office for an absence notification memo. We will verify documentation related to your absence, contact your instructors, and support you during the time of crisis. Please keep in mind, we may not be able to provide a memo if you do not make contact us within a reasonable timeframe.

Dean of Students

900 E. 7th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405

Phone: 812-855-8187
Fax: 812-855-5381
Email: vpsa@indiana.edu

IU attendance policy

Indiana University gives each instructor the flexibility to determine their own attendance policy, which will be listed in the course syllabus. Generally, faculty will allow for a certain number of missed classes.

It is your responsibility to inform your instructor, in writing or e-mail, that you will miss class or classes so that arrangements can be made. You will be responsible for any missed material and for providing all necessary documentation for the excuse.

Even if you provide an absence notification memo from our office, it is still your responsibility as a student to be in contact with your instructors when you are able to return. Ultimately, it is up to you and your instructor to negotiate any course adjustments. If adjustments cannot be made, you may need to withdraw from a course.

Excused absences

If you have a chronic medical condition that may affect your attendance, contact Disability Services for Students to determine if any academic accommodations would be of assistance.

Instructors must reasonably accommodate students who want to observe their religious holidays at times when academic requirements conflict with those observances.

As a student, you must notify your instructor as early in the semester as possible of any conflicts with the course and your religious and civic observances.

If your absence is the result of threats to your personal safety or security, please contact our Confidential Victim Advocate at 812-856-2469. Remember, if you are in immediate danger, contact the police by dialing 911.

Each academic year, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students provides faculty with a recommendation to allow students who miss class time due to “university-sanctioned curricular and extracurricular activities” a reasonable opportunity to submit missed assignments and take missed exams at another time without penalty.

University-sanctioned curricular and extracurricular activities are considered to be travel to and performance in:

Concerts
Artistic presentation
Athletics events
Academic competition
Participation in workshops and conferences

Prolonged absences

If you miss more than 20% of the semester for medical or personal reasons, it may be best to consider withdrawing from all courses until you are able to return and focus on your academic goals.

Withdrawing from all courses

Withdrawing from all courses will terminate your current enrollment at Indiana University. For this reason, Indiana University requires you to meet with an appropriate advisor to initiate the withdrawal process:

If you are in University Division you should see your UD advisor.
If you are an International student you should see the Office of International Students in Poplars 221.
If you are a law student, you should see the Maurer School of Law Office of Student Affairs in Baier Hall 024.
If you are in any other program, you should see a Student Advocate.

Attendance Issues

Absences and missed exams

Absence notification memos

Dean of Students

IU attendance policy

Excused absences

Chronic illness

Religious and civic observances

Threats to personal safety or security

University-approved activities

Prolonged absences

Withdrawing from all courses

Division of Student Affairs resources and social media channels