Student Excusals

Requests for Absence Excusals

Students who miss class due to bereavement, medical concerns, military activity, legal obligations, or university-sponsored events must provide the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) with official and verifiable documentation related to the absences within 14 days and complete an online Student Absence Excuse Request. 

Once the absence has been verified, the DOS will communicate on your behalf to your professor(s). Please note that our office only verifies documentation and it is at the discretion of your professor(s) to provide any accommodation. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the professor(s).  Students who select an option (bereavement, medical concerns, etc.) that does not match the presenting concern and supporting documentation will be rejected.  DOS will not seek absence excusals for pre-planned vacations, trips, weddings, graduations, or non-NJIT activities.

Please note: Students who have missed or anticipate missing more than two (2) weeks of classes must contact dos@njit.edu directly.  In addition, DOS may not be able to verify absences in excess of three (3) weeks of missed classes in one semester.

COVID 

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 outside of the NJIT campus, or who come into close contact with someone who has tested positive are to send notification to covid.notify@njit.edu. Do not use the Student Absence Excuse Request Form for such matters.

Religious Holidays

As a student, it is your responsibility to discuss with your professors before the religious holiday about missing class for that purpose. Make it a priority at the beginning of each semester to discuss this request with your professors so that they are aware that it may interfere with your class attendance and can make the necessary arrangements accordingly. 

They may also require you to see our office for verification in which you will need to provide documentation.

Verifiable Documentation

Documentation must be clear and concise and submitted as follows:

• Medical – Documentation must be provided on official letterhead, signed and dated by a licensed medical or mental health provider, including the dates of treatment and the student’s anticipated return date. 

• Bereavement/Death in the Family – Documentation should include an obituary, memorial service pamphlet, or other item that identifies the student as related to the deceased.

• Military/Legal Obligations – Only military orders or court papers will be accepted.

  • Military orders must be signed and dated by a commanding officer and include dates of departure and return.

  • Court papers for legal obligations, including jury duty and required court appearances, must be signed and dated by the court clerk/judge/lawyer verifying the student’s attendance including all applicable dates. 

• Religious Holiday - Documentation may include written materials describing the religious holiday or a calendar of religious holidays.

• University-sanctioned Travel - Documentation includes proof of the scheduled event, flight and or transportation itinerary, and proof of registration.