Institutional Excuses

A Student Institutional Excuse may be granted to a student who participates in academic, research, extra- or co-curricular, athletic, or military service activities or because of anticipated acute medical, bereavement, or religious circumstances. Students may be excused for institutional purposes from otherwise required academic activity only when a valid Student Institutional Excuse is approved by the appropriate administrative unit or official.

Types of Institutional Excuses

1. Academic: Approved by the dean (or designee) of the relevant academic college, the academic Student Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who participate in anticipated i) curriculum-based, scheduled course activities outside of a normal class meeting time; or ii) academically-oriented or postgraduation career activities (e.g., conferences, research presentations, graduate school interviews, job interviews related to earned degrees).
2. Athletic: Approved by the Vice Provost for Academic Operations (or designee), the Athletic Student Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who participate in anticipated athletic events sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
3. Extra- or Co-Curricular: Approved by the Dean of Students (or designee), the extra- or co-curricular Student Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who participate in anticipated sanctioned extracurricular or co-curricular events sponsored by student clubs and organizations.
4. Military: Approved by the Dean of Students (or designee), the military Student Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who must respond to official U.S. Department of Defense service orders or U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) medical treatment and related non-VA referrals.
5. Medical: Approved by the Dean of Students (or designee), the Medical Student Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who experience an anticipated significant medical event.
6. Bereavement: Approved by the Dean of Students (or designee), the Bereavement Student Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who experience the loss of a loved one and are unable to participate in their courses due to grief or needing to attend funeral services.
7. Religious: Approved by the Associate Vice President for Equity and Access (or designee), the Religious Institutional Excuse may be issued to students who must participate in anticipated religious observances and practices.

Approval Process and Policy

Students requesting approval for any Institutional Excuse must complete and submit the online form. Detailed instructions are provided on the webpage form.

To check on the status of a submitted approval request, please email the Dean of Students or call (928) 523-5181.

The Student Institutional Excuses policy contains specific details, responsibilities, and resources related to Institutional Excuses. Please refer to this policy before submitting an approval request.