Medical Excuses

The Student Health Center does not provide medical excuses for short-term absences that result in missed classes, exams, or assignments due to illness or injury.  This policy is similar to most major universities and is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association.

Students are instructed to contact their instructor in the event they need to miss class due to an illness, injury, or an emergency.  All decisions about the impact of an absence, as well as any arrangements for making up work, rest with the instructors.

How to Print Student Health Center Dates of Service

If your instructor requests proof of your medical evaluation and you were seen at the Student Health Center, you can print out the dates of your appointments from your MyWesternHealth portal.  From any computer (not your phone) follow these simple steps:

• Log into your MyWesternHealth portal.
• Click on "Appointments" on the left side of your screen.
• Print this information.

In certain circumstances where an illness or injury is prolonged and/or requires significant medical attention or hospitalization, an Emergency Medical Leave of Absence from classes may be provided.

Emergency Medical Leaves of Absence are issued only after a student has provided appropriate documentation from their healthcare provider or has been evaluated in the Student Health Center. 

To provide documentation you can either:

• Submit your documentation via email to Student.HealthCenter@wwu.edu
• Submit documentation through a secure message to your clinical team in the MyWesternHealth Portal
• Have your doctor's office fax the information to 360-650-3883

The Emergency Medical Leave of Absence will then be emailed directly to the student and to their instructors by the Student Health Center Medical Director.

Please note: an Emergency Medical Leave of Absence can only be provided for a maximum period of 14 days. While a leave of absence generally makes it possible for the student to make up missed course work, in some instances the amount of time lost makes course completion difficult. If more time is needed, the student should consult with the Office of Student Life. Depending on the circumstances, instructors may also choose to deny the request for extra time or accommodation despite this leave of absence.

The purpose of the Dean’s Withdrawal is to assist a student who is unable to complete the quarter or a class due to compelling circumstances beyond their control or due to a significant hardship (such as incapacitating illness or injury). More information is available at the Office of Student Life.

Please review our comprehensive resource guide.  This guide includes essential information about follow up care, academic options, and support services on campus.