While certain situations may warrant an excused absence, it is your responsibility to understand how absences may affect your final grade or overall performance in the course.
Please review these best practices how to notify your instructor of an absence:
Locate the attendance policy in your syllabus to understand the instructor’s expectations and what constitutes an "excused" absence for that specific class.
Communicate with your instructor as soon as possible if you know you will miss a class. They can provide guidance on making up missed work and explain any potential impact on your performance.
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You can find your instructor’s email address or preferred contact method on the course syllabus, which is accessible via Canvas.
Depending on the instructor's policy, you may be asked to provide documentation (such as a doctor's note) to support a request for an excused absence.
Please note that frequent absences, whether excused or unexcused, may affect your ability to achieve the learning objectives of the course. For students in certificate programs, consistent attendance is vital for maintaining academic standing and, for international students, meeting visa requirements.
For more details, visit the Student Policies and Procedures page on the UCLA Extension website.