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Attendance is essential for academic engagement and learning. The course syllabus outlines requirements for attendance, deadlines for submission of assignments, and dates of exams. Missing class or the submission of required work can impact your grade, regardless of the circumstances. If you are absent due to an accident, medical, or private matter, you are encouraged to first notify the faculty member or teaching assistant (TA) at the time of the absence or immediately thereafter, as the situation allows.

For a one or two-day absence, use the Student Self-Reporting Absence Application.

For multi-day absences, or when a major course requirement is missed during the one or two-day absence, instructors may request students obtain an Absence and Verification Notice (AVN) from the Dean of Students–Advocacy, Outreach, and Support. Documentation is required for an AVN.

Reporting an absence does not excuse missed work, and even with verification for absences, it is up to each instructor to determine if there are options for allowing the submission of missing or late work.

The office of the Dean of Students – Advocacy, Outreach & Support assists students experiencing unexpected challenges which impact academic performance, time to degree completion, finances, and their overall student experience. The office serves as a support network by providing advocacy, problem-solving strategies, resource referral, and critical incident intervention when additional assistance is needed.

Students may meet with a staff member during Virtual Drop-In Hours (Monday–Thursday, 1:30–4:30 p.m.) or scheduled appointments (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). See Requesting Assistance to learn more about the best way to connect with the office, complete forms for Virtual Drop-In Hours, Scheduled Appointments, or Absence and Verification Notices.

A temporary condition can be an injury or illness (i.e., a concussion, broken bone, or short-term effects post-surgery) that lasts less than 8 weeks. These temporary conditions may cause unforeseen barriers that can impact your academics and overall Rutgers experience. The Offices of the Dean of Students–Advocacy, Outreach, and Support can help facilitating access to classes and services in your time of need. It is essential that you take an active role in identifying needs, engaging with offices, and providing the necessary documentation to help ensure academic success.

Unforeseen circumstances may lead you to consider withdrawing from the semester. Before making a final decision, it’s important to meet with an Academic Advisor, an advisor in Financial Aid or a member of the Dean of Students - Advocacy, Outreach & Support to discuss your circumstances, how this decision may affect your progress and financial aid eligibility, and to strategize about the best course of action. ​

Financial Aid questions and implications to consider: ​

• Will withdrawing affect your financial aid?
• Will withdrawing affect your completion rate or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
• Your last date of attendance (LDA) will determine if Federal, State, and institutional funding is reduced or cancelled. Check the Add/Drop Calendar and the Refund Calendar.
• If an unpaid balance remains, a hold may be placed on your student record, preventing registration for future courses.
• We strongly encourage you to meet with a financial aid advisor.

Note: The terms "withdrawal" and "leave of absence" are often used interchangeably. Both allow for re-enrollment.