The Instructor Notification process helps students who miss or will miss class due to extenuating circumstances by providing documentation from our office for their instructor(s). A few examples of extenuating circumstances can be found below.
Instructor Notifications are not an official excuse; they are provided on the student’s behalf to explain the circumstances surrounding an absence and to request that the instructor work with the student to complete missed coursework when appropriate.
After reviewing the steps below please use the button at the bottom of the page to submit your request.
Steps to initiating an Instructor Notification:
1. Consult Your Instructor
Prior to submitting an Instructor Notification, please speak with your instructor regarding your absence and any accommodation requests. Instructors may ask for additional documentation or direct you to proceed with the Instructor Notification process through U Matter, We Care within the Dean of Students Office.
2. Submit the Instructor Notification Request
- Provide documentation regarding the following:
- Death of a family member (obituary, funeral service program, death cert.)
- Death of a friend (obituary, funeral service program, death cert.)
- Emergency (police report, documentation from medical provider)
- Family Emergency (police report, hospital documentation)
- Hospitalization – Psychological (hospital documentation)
- Hospitalization – Physical (hospital documentation)
- Medical Emergency/Illness (documentation from medical provider)
3. What to Expect After Submitting an Instructor Notification
Instructor Notifications are typically processed within 4 business days. You’ll receive automated emails throughout the process, monitor your UF email regularly.
After submitting, you may receive the following emails
- Confirmation of Submission
- Decision Email indicating one of the following:
- Approved – Instructors will be notified.
- Additional Documentation Required – You’ll be asked to submit more information.
- Denied – With a reason provided.
In some cases, a U Matter, We Care Case Manager may reach out if your request indicates a need for additional support before a decision is made.
4. Return to Class
- Evaluate your readiness and timeline to complete any missed work.
- Proactively contact your instructors to reschedule missed assignments, quizzes, or exams.
- Obtain notes or materials from the class sessions you missed.
Students do not need an Instructor Notification from the Dean of Students Office if the absence is:
- A disability-related absence that is a part of your already established Disability Resource Center accommodations
- The result of a University of Florida sponsored event: music performance, athletic competition, etc
- A military obligation
- A religious holiday observance
- Scholarly activity
Instructors have the right to accept or reject the Instructor Notification from our office.
Documentation is required. If documentation is not submitted the Instructor Notification Request will not be processed.
Once your request is processed you will be copied on the email that is sent to impacted course instructors.
Review our Frequently Asked Questions or call us at 352-294-2273.
Students who are feeling unwell should review the Self Care Resources.
For more information about the University of Florida’s Absence Policy, please visit: https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/attendance-policies/.