Reporting Deaths, Emergencies, or Illnesses

Deaths:
Students who experience a death in their immediate family are asked to notify the Office of the Dean of Students. The office, in turn, will notify the academic dean's office, Campus Ministry, or others, as appropriate. If possible, a representative from the University may attend the visiting hours or funeral, and students have the option of sharing funeral arrangements with faculty and staff through a broadcast e-mail message. In all cases, an expression of sympathy will be sent to the student and his or her family.

Emergencies:
Students who experience a personal or family emergency are asked to notify their RA, the Office of Residence Life, or the Office of the Dean of Students, especially if the emergency requires the student to leave campus or not attend classes for a short period of time (e.g. two days or more). While the primary reason for this is to provide any support possible to the affected student, a secondary reason is for the student's well-being and safety. For example, a student who is not on campus can then be accounted for during an emergency.

Illnesses:
Students who are sick or must undergo a medical procedure or testing should notify the Health Center. If necessary, the Health Center will coordinate with the primary care physician or specialist any follow-up treatment. If follow-up is not necessary, the student's medical records with the Health Center should be updated to reflect the illness or medical issue being addressed so that the medical history is accurate and proper care may be provided in the future.

Leaving Campus:
Whenever a student will be off campus for a period of time, regardless of the reason, he or she should notify at least one other student or the RA.

Notifying Professors/Instructors:
As the central office for non-academic matters involving students, the Office of the Dean of Students will notify the student's academic dean's office, Campus Ministry, Health Center, or Counseling Center, as appropriate, of situations involving deaths, family or personal emergencies, or illnesses. However, in all situations, students themselves are responsible for notifying their professors if they will miss class. The only exception would be if the situation is so extraordinary as to make it impossible for the student to do this. Contact information for professors is provided on all course syllabi, as well as online. Professors are responsible for their classes, and students must make the necessary arrangements for missed class time and assignments directly with their professors.

Excused Absences:
The Office of the Dean of Students, Health Center, and Counseling Center cannot provide notes excusing students from class, and students should not ask for them. If a student has permitted it, a professor who calls to confirm information about the student's situation will be informed as such.

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