How to manage situations where a student misses class, including guidance on making up exams.
A decision on how to manage the absence from class is about whether an accommodation should be made. Accommodations will fall into two categories: required and non-required.
Required and non-required accommodations
The UW-Madison policy on class attendance (University Policy II-108) leaves the final decision to the instructor for non-required accommodations for students who miss scheduled class activities.
If a student misses classes due to illness, injury, family emergency, or some other reason, it is the responsibility of the student to notify their instructors of this absence as soon as possible. In such circumstances where a student is unable to communicate on their own behalf, staff in the Office of Student Assistance and Support are available to assist with facilitating faculty notification.
Notifying the instructor
If a student misses classes due to illness, injury, family emergency, or some other reason, it is the responsibility of the student to notify their instructors of this absence as soon as possible.
In such circumstances where a student is unable to communicate on their own behalf, staff in the Office of Student Assistance and Support are available to assist with facilitating faculty notification.
If you are concerned about a student
If a student has stopped attending class or has stopped completing homework, the best first step is for the Instructor to reach out to the student via email to check in. If after a few days the student still has not responded or attended class, we recommend considering filling out a Student of Concern Referral.
If you have been in contact with the student and they share information that causes concern about their well-being or they share they are navigating challenges in their personal life, you can discuss support options including the Office of Student Assistance and Support or University Health Services. In these cases, we also recommend considering filling out a Student of Concern Referral to help connect the student with additional support. We also encourage you to let the student know you are doing so.
Student of Concern
When you are concerned about a student's well-being or know a student who may need additional support.
Policies and Additional Exam Information
Students are welcome to discuss their situations with the Office of Student Assistance and Support. Be sure to familiarize yourself with mid-term and final exam policies and information about final exam locations.
Mid-term Evening Exam Policy
In the event that an exam conflicts with a scheduled evening course, please refer to the Evening Midterm Exam Policy provided by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty:
Fall and Spring Term Final Exam Policy
Final Exam Times and Locations
Summer session final exams
Summer mid-session exams are typically held during the scheduled class period. Final exams are held at the last class meeting unless otherwise announced by the instructor.
Final exams on the web
Fall and Spring locations for final exams given in General Assignment Classrooms will be available in Student Center and Faculty Center four weeks before the start of final exams. If your course is not listed, contact the instructor or department giving the exam to determine the location.