The Bellarmine University Office of Health Services does not routinely provide excuses for students who miss class due to illness or injury. Students who need to miss class due to illness or injury are encouraged to notify their faculty that they are unable to attend, and follow the directions provided by the faculty member on the course syllabus. It is the purview of the faculty to determine when or if a student will be excused from class. Only when the student presents with a very clearly recognizable illness (such as a fever) will they be provided documentation.
This policy is consistent with our commitment to maintain confidentiality, encourage appropriate use of health care resources, and support meaningful dialogue between teacher and student. Students are responsible for promptly notifying instructors about absences caused by illness or injury, preferably prior to the class time rather than after the class time.
Students who wish to request a withdrawal from a class or from the university need to follow the rules set forth by the university. For those who are in the midst of a serious or lengthy absence and cannot act on their own behalf, please contact the Office of Student Affairs for assistance.
It is important for students to learn self-management of minor illnesses and injuries. Most of these do not require professional medical attention. Legitimate reasons to miss class include decreasing infectious exposures to others in the university community and recuperation. Coping skills that are developed as an undergraduate will help students in graduate school and in the world of work. The Health Services staff has no special knowledge, equipment or intuition which tells us how long the student needs to be out, or what impact the illness has on the student. Illness varies greatly among individuals. Conversations between students and faculty should identify how the student can work around the illness to best continue their academic efforts and achievements.