Office of the Academic Ombud -- A neutral, independent and confidential resource for UK students and faculty

109 Bradley Hall • 859-257-3737 • Confidential FAX 859-257-5346 • Email: ombud@uky.edu

Professor talking with student in a laboratory

Excused Absences

Throughout any given semester, illness and emergencies sometimes preclude students from attending class. However, there are specific rules that dictate whether these absences are excused. Specifically, students are entitled to an excused absence for the following reasons:

  1. serious illness;
  2. illness or death of family member;
  3. University-related trips;
  4. major religious holidays;

Instructors may excuse an absence for any another reason if they believe it is a reasonable cause for non-attendance. For a complete copy of the University Senate Rule on Excused Absences see S.R. 5.2.4.2 (pdf).

Students talking outside class