Excused Absences

Students must submit a request to Student Affairs for any absence they wish to have excused. Students must maintain prior approval for absences. Requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Once approved, Student Affairs will notify the appropriate staff and faculty. See Examinations and Other Assessments section of the student handbook for details on make-up assessments. It is also the responsibility of the student to provide any documentation to substantiate their absence. Failure to do so will result in the retraction of the excused absence and could result in a loss of points for any missed coursework.

Religious Holidays

Because of the extraordinary variety of religious affiliations of the University student body and staff, the Academic Calendar makes no provisions for religious holidays. However, it is University policy to respect the faith and religious obligations of the individual. Students with classes or examinations that conflict with their religious observances are expected to submit their request well in advance (two weeks ahead of the expected absence) so that mutually agreeable alternatives may be worked out.  All requests for religious holidays must be submitted to Student Affairs.

Requesting a Planned Absence:
Students must submit the Time Away form, at least three weeks in advance, by completing the Time Away Request form. This form can also be found under the forms section on the website.

Examples of planned excused absences include, but are not limited to:

• Wedding (of first degree family only)
• Medical appointment
• Legal appointment
• Presenting at a conference

Absence requests for weddings of first degree family member must be submitted at least three weeks in advance. Requests for medical appointments must be submitted as far in advance as possible.

Requesting an Emergent Absence:
Situations arise that may cause hardship or prevent students from planning ahead. If this is the case, please contact Student Affairs as soon as possible via email at studentaffairs@pnwu.edu or phone at 509. 249.7724. Students will still need to complete the Time Away Request form and submit documentation within 48 hours after their return to school.

Examples of emergent excused absences include, but are not limited to:

• Personal illness
• Serious and/or sudden illness, or death of a family member

A doctor’s note is required to substantiate a student’s illness on exam days, standardized patient encounters, clinical skills lab, simulation lab, Family Medicine course, or if an illness extends beyond two consecutive days.

If for any reason students are concerned about the implications their absence(s) might have on their coursework, they should speak with Student Affairs to discuss options and to learn of resources that may be available.

OMS III and OMS IV students needing an excused absence should refer to the Student Handbook in conjunction with their Regional Assistant Dean and Regional Site Administrator.

Requesting a conference attendance absence:
Students must fill out a Conference Time Away Request form at least three (3) weeks prior to the conference by filling out the Conference Time Away Request form.  This form can also be found under the forms section on the website.

Students may attend one conference per year, as long as they show that there is a student track at the conference.  OMS I’s are eligible to attend a conference AFTER fall semester. 

Students must be in good academic standing to receive approval to attend the conference.

For the full conference attendance policy, please refer to the Student Handbook Conferences and Advocacy.