Understanding the Absence Verification Process
Learn more about Attendance Regulations and how this process works at NC State.
Before you submit a request
Make sure you take the following steps before submitting the Absence Verification Request Form.
Contact your instructor(s)
Always communicate with your instructor(s) first. Provide an overview of your concerns in order to determine the next steps. Most cases are resolved by providing an explanation and discussing how you can make up missed work or tests. Most instructors work directly with the student, and involvement by a staff member to verify the absence isn’t needed.
Read through the NC State Attendance Regulation
Available here, REG 02.20.03 provides information about the Absence Verification process. Contact staff within the Resiliency and Community Support unit in the Office of Student Life and Advocacy at absence-verification@ncsu.edu if you have questions.
Make sure your request falls under a designated category
There are four types of requests that are eligible for review under the Absence Verification Process. This includes:
- Medical (surgeries and hospitalizations)
- Legal Obligations
- Death in the immediate family
- Military orders
More information about specific scenarios can be found on our Absence Verification Categories page.
Review the process and relevant information
Timeliness: Requests must be submitted within seven (7) days of a student’s return to class and must include appropriate documentation. Any request submitted after this timeline will be automatically denied.
Time Requested: If you plan to request more than two (2) weeks away, you may consider talking with your academic advisor about your options.
Supplemental Information: Upon your submission, you may be contacted to provide additional information. You will be required to do the time period established in that communication.
Decision: All decisions from the Absence Verification process are final. There is no appeal process or secondary review.
Instructors: Regardless of whether an absence is verified through this process, absences are approved at the discretion of the instructor(s). The only mandated accommodations of an absence are for religious holy days (N.C.G.S. § 116-11(3a)) or when a student has a court order requiring attendance.
Prepare your documentation
Each request must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. Missing or insufficient documentation will result in a delay and potentially a denial of a student’s request. More information and specific examples can be found on the Documentation for Absence Verification page.
Submit your request
Access the Absence Verification Request form here.
NOTE: You will be required to log into the form using your Unity ID and password.
Questions?
More information about attendance regulations can be found in REG 02.20.03 – Attendance Regulations. For questions or concerns, contact staff within the Resiliency and Community Support unit of the Office of Student Life and Advocacy at absence-verification@ncsu.edu.