Class Attendance and Missed Work

Class attendance and the timely submission of work are essential to academic success at Duke, but the university recognizes that unusual circumstances may occasionally prevent students from meeting these expectations. 

Depending on the situation, students may address absences through 

In all cases, students remain responsible for missed material and should communicate promptly with their instructors about making up work. 

Absences from class and missed work may be excused by your Academic Dean. For the excuse to be valid, you must provide your Dean with documentation of these circumstances.  They will work with you to identify and obtain appropriate forms of documentation.

  • If approved, a copy of the dean’s excuse will be sent to your professors, along with an anticipated time frame for your return to class.
  • In the case of illness and distress, you and your dean will discuss how much to disclose of your situation to faculty.
  • The excuse may be extended beyond the original time frame if your circumstances warrant it.
  • Students are bound by the Duke Student Code of Conduct when making a request for a Dean’s Excuse.

A Dean’s Excuse does not relieve students from their responsibility for completing any course work assigned during their absence.  

Students are encouraged to discuss any absence (planned or unexpected) with their instructor to determine whether accommodation is possible. 

If your situation doesn’t meet the criteria for a Dean’s Excuse, you may use the Incapacitation Form to communicate with your instructors.

Students who experience a short-term incapacitating illness or injury may choose to select an Incapacitation Form. By completing this form, students agree to communicate with their professor within 24 hours about any work they have missed. An Incapacitation Form is not a guaranteed approval of absence or missed assignments; the course instructor instructor has discretion about whether to treat this as an excused absence.  

This form does not supersede class policies regarding absences. If course policies allow for a certain number of excused absences per term, then the days that missed due to incapacitation may be counted towards this number. 

If a student submits an Incapacitation Forms for 4 individual days in a given semester, their Academic dean, Quad advisor and Duke Reach will be contacted to help address any medical or personal issues that are impacting the student’s ability to attend class.

*IMPORTANT* Do not use the incapacitation form for reasons other than incapacitating illness, ailment, or injury. Intentional misuse of this form may result in referral of the matter to the undergraduate conduct board for possible disciplinary action.

Absence from Final Exams:  Attendance at final exams is required, and students whose absence is not excused by their academic dean will be given a failing grade. 

  • Students who miss or think they need to miss a final exam in a course must consult with their Academic Dean as soon as possible, but within 24 hours after a final exam is missed.

 

Sometimes you’ll need to miss class for situations that don’t meet the criteria for a Dean’s Excuse and aren’t incapacitating. Here are some FAQs: 

Can I use an Incap Form or get a Dean's Excuse if I am going to conferences, interviews or other educational meetings or events?

  • No, this does not qualify for either option.  Instead, reach out to your professor in advance to let them know when and why you’ll be absent, and to discuss making up missed instructional time in a way that’s consistent with the attendance policies for the course.

Can I use an Incapacitation Form if I am attending a non-varsity athletic competition?

  • No, this does not qualify for an Incapacitation Form.  In courses where a defined number of absences is permitted, students should make judicious use of these and save them for unavoidable circumstances.  You can also reach out to your professor in advance to let them know when and why you’ll be absent, and to discuss making up missed instructional time in a way that’s consistent with the attendance policies for the course. 

Can I get a Dean's Excuse for a planned family event (e.g. a siblings graduation or a family wedding)?

  • No, a Dean's Excuse is only valid for unplanned and involuntary issues and/or events beyond a students control (see description under Dean's Excuse above). In courses where a defined number of absences is permitted, students should make judicious use of these and save them for unavoidable circumstances.  You can also reach out to your professor in advance to let them know when and why you’ll be absent, and to discuss making up missed instructional time in a way that’s consistent with the attendance policies for the course. 

I'm in the Marching Band or Cheerleading Squad, etc. and am traveling with a Duke athletics team(s) for tournaments, etc. Can I get a Dean's Excuse or use a NOVAP Form?

  • No, a Dean's Excuse is only valid for unplanned issues and/or events beyond a students control and NOVAP Forms are solely for Varsity Athletes. In courses where a defined number of absences is permitted, students should make judicious use of these and save them for unavoidable circumstances.  You can also reach out to your professor in advance to let them know when and why you’ll be absent, and to discuss making up missed instructional time in a way that’s consistent with the attendance policies for the course.