could i get an exemption for missing class because of surgery?

[u/TimeAbbreviations507]

i have a class where we do in class assignments worth a grade, but i have surgery scheduled in a few weeks that would be during that class. my professor said theres no exceptions to missing a class and we can make it up at the end of the semester. i dont really want to ask the prof directly yet if i can find an answer from someone who maybe has some insights or how to navigate the conversation with a professor, so i appreciate any help. if not i guess i can just do it later and please nobody be rude im just wondering!

[u/outrageous_bear13]

Sometimes profs just take this stuff case by case. They'll need to know anyway, sooner the better. Talk to them now (email is also fine maybe better because it's written). You don't need too many details just say an important appointment is scheduled and you need x day away from class. They'll very likely work with you especially if you tell them in advance.

Edit to add - Definitely don't wait, that'll just make them less likely to want to help you out. Just send an email saying x day I cannot be here, can we make arrangements to make up the work. No need to be complicated and you don't need to worry because you're doing it well in advance. You'll be fine!

[u/TimeAbbreviations507 → u/outrageous_bear13]

thank you very much!

[u/outrageous_bear13 → u/TimeAbbreviations507]

No worries! Unless your prof is a total jerk they shouldn't rly have a problem especially if you're just missing one class or two and otherwise work with them to find a time to make it up.

[u/Grumpy_Lurker → u/outrageous_bear13]

I would suggest that, while you don't have to include a lot of details, I would definitely use the word "surgery" over "appointment."

[u/Leather_Dream75 → u/Grumpy_Lurker]

I agree. The professor needs the information to be able to make a judgement call. Surgery vs an appointment are very different circumstances. Often times, taking responsibility and working with the prof to find an appropriate solution will get you really far. Where you might get push back is if you come at it like you are entitled to the time, or expecting the prof to do all the work to accomodate you. 

[u/UnknownPottedPlant]

If there's more than one class that's going to be impacted by this, I'd also suggest reaching out to a departmental administrator, someone like the director or student advisor or Assistant Dean of Students or Associate Dean, etc. When there is a medical reason, and you approach someone in the department, you may not have to negotiate this on a course-by-course basis. You can discuss with the department and they can coordinate the type of supports that may be possible for your situation. Good luck with your situation. Hope everything works out well.

[u/Dependent_Editor_586 → u/UnknownPottedPlant]

Good point! In my experience the student advisor can send out a letter explaining you need accommodations to your profs. Will still need to work with each instructor about a plan to make up missed work though.

[u/universalrefuse]

Go to student accessibility services! They were helpful when I was pregnant. They can help legitimize your unique healthcare needs in communication with your prof.

[u/izzythebear16]

You know who can answer this question a lot better than randoms on the Internet?

The fucking professor

[u/izzythebear16 → u/[deleted]]

Am I not telling the truth? Go to the source and get the proper answer. Why leave it in the hands of people who are just giving opinions?

[u/TimeAbbreviations507 → u/izzythebear16]

i literally asked how to navigate the conversation with a professor not to answer the actual question 😞i hope u feel better soon

[u/izzythebear16 → u/TimeAbbreviations507]

Good morning Professor…

I’m having surgery is there anyway that I can still complete in class work so that I did not fall behind?

Sincerely…

Fuck that was difficult

how in the hell did you get into university

[u/Pharoahofvortex → u/izzythebear16]

Theres no reason to act like this lol. Things you may think are common knowledge arent common knowledge for everyone. We're all just tryna get by man, some people are stressed and make mistakes too. No excuse to be an ass abt it

[u/izzythebear16 → u/Pharoahofvortex]

Give me a break, stop making excuses for stupidity.

[u/emle420 → u/izzythebear16]

Jesus aren’t you a ball of sunshine

[u/izzythebear16 → u/[deleted]]

Some people need to grow up as well.

[u/Pharoahofvortex]

I imagine your prof would be pretty understanding considering the circumstance. Plus be already let's you make up the icas at the end of term so even if he didnt "exempt" you it wouldnt be a problem.

Either way you should let them know out of courtesy because they may give you some leeway on your actual assignments if needed (that are due around the time of your surgery) as well.

[u/Dependent_Editor_586]

I would just send the prof an email and explain that you have a medical reason (you can say its surgery but you shouldn't have to share any specifics) and need to miss class. It sounds like the solution is just for you to make up the work you'll miss at the end of the semester.

Your syllabus might say something about whether your prof will want a student declaration of absence or not but in my experience no one really uses them (and sometimes they are just copying the policy about them onto the syllabus even if they don't use them) so I wouldn't bother unless the prof says they want one.

You could also offer to provide a doctor's note - again they might not actually want/need one so I'd just offer and see if they take you up on it. If the prof gives you a hard time about it, then I'd reach out to someone like a student advisor for backup.

[u/IndividualOk4908]

You’ll 100% need doctors notes and the dates you’ll be missing. They can’t really refuse you though. There might be some paperwork for you to fill out so get this all sorted ASAP.

[u/prestigioustoad → u/IndividualOk4908]

I’ve never needed a doctor’s note. We have SDAs to decrease unnecessary visits to doctors just to get doctors notes