Health Services Class Absence Guidelines

Class attendance is an individual student responsibility and a matter between the student and the course instructor. Health Services does not provide class excuse notes, as decisions about excused absences are solely at the discretion of individual instructors. Please refer to Class Attendance Policy in the Academic Catalog. 

It is often best for individuals with short-term illnesses to remain home and follow self-care guidelines until their symptoms improve and they can return to school and other activities. If a student will be absent due to illness, they are responsible for contacting the instructors as soon as possible to notify them of the illness and determine how best to make up missed class time or assignments.

This policy reflects our respect for students’ privacy and our educational mission to encourage them to become mature and independent stewards of their own healthcare. It aligns with the policies of many peer institutions and follows the excuse recommendations of the American College Health Association.

• Knox College Health Services does not provide verification of illness notes. 
• Knox College Health Services may recommend that a student remain out of class in specific cases, such as when they are diagnosed with a contagious or verifiable illness or injury. “Verifiable” refers to conditions diagnosed during a clinical evaluation by Health Services and supported by objective findings or public health guidelines that indicate the student should avoid school or work. Examples of conditions that may fall into this category include measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), or COVID-19. In such instances, Health Services staff will use their medical discretion and provide a note. Additionally, it is not possible for Health Services staff to verify the presence or severity of illnesses that have already been resolved. Students should not request retroactive class excuses from the health center.
• If a student is diagnosed with an illness or injury requiring hospitalization or an extended period of recovery, the student should consult with the Associate Dean of the College. Health Services staff may provide documentation on a case-by-case basis and work with the Associate Dean to assist in communication with instructors. However, it remains the student’s responsibility to work with the Associate Dean and instructors to make up coursework or follow College guidelines regarding incompletes or course withdrawal, if necessary. Examples of conditions that may fall into this category include surgical recovery or recuperation from a serious illness or injury.