Class attendance, engagement, and participation may be requirements of a course, outlined on the syllabus. These requirements are often integral to the course format, intended learning outcomes, and grading policies. Absences, even for verified reasons, can impact grades and successful completion of course requirements. Therefore, it is important to maximize class attendance.
Before completing a request for an Absence and Verification Notice (AVN), be sure to read the guidelines and requirements for documentation.
- One or Two Day Absences
If you miss an occasional class, you do not need to obtain verification from the Rutgers - New Brunswick Office of the Dean of Students - Student Support. In these circumstances, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor and submit the absence through the Rutgers Self-Reporting Absence website, which also generates an email notification to the instructor.
Reporting an absence does not "excuse" missed work. It is up to the instructor to determine if there are options for allowing the submission of missing or late work.
- Extended Absences
For extended absences, up to two weeks, or when multiple assignments or major academic requirements have been missed, our office can provide written communication to the faculty member to verify extenuating circumstances. Absence and Verification Notices (AVN) are primarily for medical and personal extenuating circumstances. They will not be provided for weddings, travel, family holidays or celebrations, or work responsibilities.
Documentation is required in order for an Absence and Verification Notice (AVN) to be sent to a faculty member. An AVN will only be provided with the dates included in the documentation.
If you do not have documentation, of if your absences are more than two weeks, see Requesting Assistance for Information about Virtual Drop-In Hours or scheduling an appointment.
- Documentation and Absence and Verification Notice Form
To request an AVN, documentation is required. Examples of documentation include:
- a doctor’s note, on letterhead with contact information, must include student's name, diagnosis, date(s) for treatment, recuperation or recovery.
- hospital admission and discharge paperwork - including student's name, diagnosis, and date(s).
- test results
- NOTE: For at-home rapid COVID tests, write the date on the test and take a picture of it next to your Rutgers ID. Verification for absences will be based on CDC guidelines of 5 days for quarantine. AVNs are not provided for COVID exposure or negative test.
- NOTE: If this is your second time requesting AVNs for COVID within the last 2 months, we require a doctor's note or PCR test for documentation. A rapid COVID test will not be sufficient as documentation.
- obituary or religious service program with date
- police report with date(s)
- NOTE: Images/videos of a thermometer reading, flat tires/accidents, prescriptions bottles, etc. do not constitute documentation.
Documentation is maintained privately on file and the details are not disclosed in the verification notice.
An Absence and Verification Notice from the Dean of Students – Student Support does not absolve your responsibilities within a class. It does not guarantee the option to retake a missed exam, submit a paper after the deadline, or have extended absences excused. A faculty member will determine options for consideration within the context of your performance - past attendance, participation in class, utilization of office hours or other instructional resources, work completed to date, etc.
You are expected to disclose all details fully and honestly when requesting an Absence and Verification Notice. Failure to do so may be a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
To begin the process, please complete an Absence and Verification Notice Request Form. You will be notified once the request is complete (typically two business days).
