Excuse Note Policy

The Student Health Center does not provide medical excuses, to students in situations where there are no objective physical symptoms or findings (such as stomach complaints or headaches) or when a student has self-managed symptoms which have resolved without treatment from the SHC. In such cases, it is not possible for us to verify or validate the illness. If you are ill and cannot attend class but do not have a condition that warrants a medical evaluation, you should not schedule an appointment solely for the purpose of obtaining a note. If you miss a class, assignment or exam due to an illness we highly recommend you speak with your professor prior to or at the time of any missed work. We are happy to evaluate you at the time of an illness or problem that you feel cannot be managed with self-care and warrants a medical evaluation.

In circumstances where the SHC staff determines, through objective medical findings, that a student’s illness warrants a medical excuse be written, our staff will, of course, continue to do so. These may be situations such as a student with a fever over 101 F; a student with active vomiting or diarrhea; or a student with a communicable disease such as influenza or strep throat.  Regardless of the reason for a visit, we will provide a verification of appointment (day and time) without specific medical information if requested by the patient.