When you’re experiencing a difficult life situation (illness, family emergency, well-being concerns, financial issues, or anything affecting your safety, ability to attend class or complete work), it’s important to keep your professors informed. Faculty want you to succeed, and clear communication helps you stay on track.
Questions to Consider Before Contacting Faculty
Thinking about these questions can help you communicate clearly and appropriately:
- How has the situation impacted your academics (e.g., attendance, missed deadlines, focus, participation)?
- What type of flexibility am I asking for?
- A short extension
- Making up a missed quiz
- Catching up on notes or materials
- Temporary understanding during a difficult period
- Attendance flexibility
- What am I comfortable sharing?
- You do not need to share personal or private details. Focus on the impact, not the cause.
- Have I reviewed the syllabus?
- This helps you make requests that respect the course’s structure and requirements.
- Am I using flexibility responsibly?
- Flexibility is here to empower you during life’s unexpected challenges. By using it mindfully for genuine hardships, you ensure you stay on track with your goals, attend class consistently, and give your assignments the focus they deserve.
Understanding Limits and Responsibilities
Not every class has the same level of flexibility. Factors like accreditation requirements, lab components, group work, or participation-driven learning can limit what a professor can adjust. Being proactive in communicating with your professors is key. Any delays in communication can limit the level of flexibility that can be provided.
Students should keep in mind:
- Flexibility is not guaranteed
- Faculty will consider requests within the structure of the course
- Academic standards still apply
- Extensions or excused absences don’t replace required learning
- Repeated or long-term flexibility may not be possible
- In those situations, Academic Advising can help you explore broader academic options (e.g., withdrawal, incomplete request, support planning, credit/no credit option when applicable and acceptable). For students with documented disabilities, requesting accommodations through Accessibility Services may be the most appropriate route.
- Faculty may ask for evidence of an extenuating event if that event is prompting the request for flexibility
- If you are unsure about what evidence to provide, you can consult with SOS, the Dean of Students, an Academic Advisor, or a trusted mentor at the University. In the case of personal medical documentation, please contact the Student Health Center for verifying the documentation as faculty should refrain from requesting, accepting, or reviewing any personal medical documentation.
Resources
Depending on the circumstance, SOS and the Academic Success Center may not be able to communicate with faculty on your behalf; however, we help you develop the skills, confidence, and language needed to self-advocate effectively.
We can:
- Help you draft messages to your faculty
- Talk through what to say and what not to say
- Coach you on managing communication during stressful situations
- Help you understand what types of flexibility are realistic in different types of courses
Self-advocacy is a lifelong skill, and communicating with your faculty is an important part of the college experience.