Military Training Absences

The university recognizes that students who are members of the United States Armed Forces including the National Guard, Reserve, or Active-Duty members are required by their military contract to attend mandatory training, with failure to participate punishable under law. To request a military training related absence notification, submit an online absence notification request and select “Military Training Absence” from the nature of absence dropdown list with the required documentation. 

  • For mandatory military training
  • Requires official military documents.
  • Processing time: up to 5 business days
  • Must be excused without penalty (required by law)

The University is required by law to excuse absences without penalty for validated military training.

Copies of military orders, memorandums of record, documentation from a commander, or official government request for service with your name and specific dates/timeframe for training is required. In addition, please provide a copy of the training schedule that includes your name and the dates that correspond with your request.

The following guide can be used to consider additional absence time to account for travel considerations based on the distance from campus, as follows:

  • Within 150-mile radius - no additional absence days
  • Between 150–300-mile radius - one additional absence days
  • Beyond 300-mile radius - two additional absence days
  • Outside the contiguous United States - four additional absence days.
    • International students are required to submit an International Travel Authorization form through the ISSS portal for any international travel.

Student Absence Request Procedure                                                                   

View Student Absence Request Flowchart

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
  • Absence is for three or more consecutive days.
  • Falls under one of the five extenuating circumstance categories listed above.
Step 2: Submit Request
Step 3: Dean of Students Review Process
  • Review typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
    • 15 or more business days may be required for complex cases or when additional documentation is necessary.
    • Requests submitted without the required documentation may be denied. 
  • Health-related requests take additional time for review by Student Health Services.
  • The student will receive either a copy of the absence notification or will be informed if notification cannot be issued.
Step 4: Communicate with Faculty
  • It is the student's responsibility to contact each instructor as soon as possible to discuss managing your absence and options for missed coursework.
  • Instructor decisions regarding attendance, make-up work, or missed exams remain at their discretion unless legally mandated, or they prefer to rely on the Dean of Students Office to make the determination.
Step 5: Additional Support
  • Student Rights:
    • Expect privacy to be respected in accordance with FERPA.
    • Access educational and support resources.

  • Student Responsibilities:
    • Review course syllabi, attendance, and grading policies.
    • Communicate directly with instructors regarding absences.
    • International students are required to submit an International Travel Authorization form through the ISSS portal for any international travel.
Absence Notice

For defined extenuating circumstances with the required documentation.

Request a Notice