Students may request class absences for a variety of reasons. The information on this page includes information about types of absences and how students may request an absence from their instructor.

For more information about class attendance regulations, visit the General Catalog: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/academic-standards/academic-policies

Types of Class Absences:

• Instructor Excused Absences
• Verified Absence
• University-Sanctioned Absence
• Faith, Belief, and/or Religious Observance Accommodation

Instructor Excused Absences

The CSU General Catalog is explicit and indicates “instructors and departments are responsible for setting class attendance policies.” Students may be absent from class due to illness, travel, family emergencies, mental health concerns, bad weather, or personal obligations. These types of absences are not verifiable but may still be excused by a course instructor. Students should work directly with the instructor to request an excused absence.

Verified Absence

Absences that meet the criteria below may be verified by Student Case Management. Instructors are not required to request absence verification, but if verification makes it easier for an instructor to excuse the absence, instructors may refer students to Student Case Management. It is the student’s responsibility to request an appointment with Student Case Management for an absence verification. For additional information, please see the Verified Absence FAQs below.

• Medical or mental health hospitalization that is longer than three (3) days, with documentation from a verified source
• Jury duty / court appointments with verifiable documentation
• Military duty with verified orders
• Title IX protections (pregnancy related) or investigation meetings that coincide with class attendance for impacted parties, responding parties, and witnesses
• Bereavement within the scope of the CSU bereavement policy
• High impact campus situations like displacement or impact due to a natural disaster and/or other situations verifiable by University emergency responses

Frequently Asked Questions About Verified Absences:

Q: If a student asks for a mental health day, what are my responsibilities as faculty to honor that wish?
A: You are not required to honor this request; however, we encourage you to work with the student if this is not a situation of chronic absences. Should you want to work with the student regarding an absence, it is at your discretion. Consider sharing resources with students so they can get assistance.
Student mental health resources: https://health.colostate.edu/access-mental-health-services/

Q: How should I handle students who have COVID?
A: There is no separate guidance for COVID, and requests should be treated like other illness absences.

Q: Am I required to ask for documentation for any absence?
A: No, but it is recommended to send the student to Student Case Management if you want the student’s absence verified. The CSU Health Network, as well as most community providers, do not give excuse notes for students who are ill (including COVID), that results in missed classes. It is at your discretion to request documentation for other absences (i.e., travel confirmation, family emergencies, or medical appointments).

Q: In what instances do I ask Student Case Management for verification about a student’s absence? Is that my responsibility?
A: If a student requests an excused or verified absence, the student may schedule a meeting with Student Case Management to determine options. You may approve class absences without verification. You can refer the studen to Student Case Management if you would like verification and it is the student’s responsibility to work directly with Student Case Management.

Q: May I require students to follow the syllabus, regardless of their specific circumstances that caused them to miss class?
A: Yes.

Q: Am I responsible for adding a hybrid version of my RI class if a student requests that option?
A: No. Faculty are discouraged from creating multiple modalities of their class as it’s burdensome for faculty and creates inequities for students.

Q: Can I tell a student “no?”
A: Yes, but take into consideration that students have complicated lifestyles. Be compassionate and approach each situation with kindness and understanding.

Q: How much freedom do I have in making decisions on this topic? Is there any oversight?
A: Instructors have complete academic freedom to make decisions regarding student attendance for their course.

University-Sanctioned Event Absence

Students may request an absence to participate in University-sanctioned events. These activities include competitions, events, and professional meetings in which students are officially representing Colorado State University. Appropriate activities include:

• Intercollegiate athletics
• Collegiate club sports and competitions
• Conferences and workshops recognized by the University not related to academics
• Commitments on behalf of the University (ASCSU, band, etc.)
• Professional activities recognized by the University related to academics

When participating in University events, students are responsible for communicating with their instructors in advance and coordinating any makeup work.

• Class Absence Letter Template
• Class Attendance Regulations

University-Sanctioned Events Approval Contact List

Alumni Association
Kristi Bohlender, Executive Director, Alumni Relations

Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU)
Duan Ruff, Director, SLICE
Julia Pratt, Assistant Director for Student Government

Student Access and Succes
Tae Nosaka, Executive Director, Student Success and High Impact Practices

Colorado State University Advancement Events
Melissa Bokovitz, Director of Events, University Advancement Engagement

Colorado State University Band
Rebecca Phillips, Director of Bands 

Collegiate Club Sports and Competitions
Allie Bogard, Assistant Director – Sport Clubs, Campus Recreation
Rob Patchett, Director – Programs, Campus Recreation
Cody Frye, Executive Director, Campus Recreation

Intercollegiate Athletics
Becky Orr, Executive Director of Student-Athlete Support Services

NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative
Kyle Saunders, Colorado State University College of Liberal Arts

Presidential Ambassadors Program
Katy DeJonge, Director of Presidential Engagement

Professional Activities Related to Academics
Deans, department chairs or their designated representatives must approve sanctioned professional and departmental activities

Recruitment Activities & Enrollment Services
Heather Daniels, Director of Admissions

Student Media Conferences, Workshops, Competitions
Hans Copeland, RMSMC President/Chief Executive Officer

Student Affairs Representatives:

• Blanche Hughes, Vice President for Student Affairs
• Jody Donovan, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
• Craig Chesson, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
• Montez Butts, Executive Director of the Lory Student Center
• Mari Strombom, Assistant Vice President for On & Off Campus Life
• Laurel Halsey, Executive Director of CSU Health Network
• John Henderson, Associate Dean of Students
• Natalie Padron, Director Fraternity & Sorority Life
• Rickey Frierson, Assistant Vice President for Cultural Resource Centers

Inclusive Excellence:

• Kauline Cipriani, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

Faith, Belief, and/or Religious Observance Absence

There are several ways students can request a faith, belief, and/or religious observance accommodation. Students should visit the Request Form for Class Absences Related to Faith, Belief, and/or Religious Observance page for more information and to submit the request form. The Dean of Students Team reviews these requests.