Class Excuse Policy

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center will not provide medical and/or mental health excuses. This is a policy made in conjunction with the Office of the Provost. The decision to excuse an absence is strictly the role of the faculty member. Faculty members are encouraged to communicate their attendance policies to their students frequently throughout the semester and provide accommodations for students who are feeling ill and need to miss class time.

Students may choose to fill out this Absence from Class Form to show that they were seen by a doctor, however, this form does not automatically grant an excused absence. That is still up to the faculty member. 

In the event of serious illness requiring an extended absence, students should be encouraged contact the Office of the Dean of Students. They will help students decide how best to deal with the interruption in their studies.

 

SMU Resources

Caring Community Connections

The Caring Community Connections Program provides support to students who are experiencing challenges by identifying and linking them to appropriate resources.

Caring Community Connections

Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students is one of the primary areas within the Division of Student Affairs at SMU. This office oversees departments that provide essential services, support and programs to students, faculty, staff, and the University as a whole.

Dean of Students

Office of the Provost

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the University’s chief academic officer, responsible for the overall quality of teaching, scholarship and research at the University and oversees all aspects of academic life, ranging from admissions and faculty development to supervision of SMU’s eight schools, library system, and international programs.

SMU Provost