Policy
Stevenson recognizes the impact that the loss of a loved one may have on the emotional and academic well-being of a student and wishes to support the student during this stressful time. The purpose of this policy is to provide a formal process to allow grieving students time to attend bereavement services, as well as the opportunity to be available for their families during times of death and grief.
A student will be excused from class for funeral leave, subsequent bereavement, and/or travel considerations. A student is entitled up to one week of bereavement to mourn a death of a close friend or family member. While this policy excuses a student from class attendance, the student remains responsible for all material covered in class and must work with each individual professor upon return to complete any required work.
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Requesting Bereavement Leave
The student or a representative must notify the Center for Student Success prior to the start of the bereavement leave. Once notified, a representative from the Center for Student Success will inform the student鈥檚 faculty, academic advisor, and appropriate on-campus offices (e.g., Residence Life) of the bereavement leave and anticipated return date. Upon return to the institution, it is the responsibility of the student to communicate with their instructors about any missed assignments and arrange to complete missed work. In keeping with this policy, instructors shall excuse the student from class and provide an opportunity for the student to complete missed quizzes, exams, papers, other required work and/or alternative assignments. Students who have followed this policy should not incur academic penalties. If an instructor fails to follow this policy, the student may appeal the instructor鈥檚 decision in writing to the Vice Provost Student Success.
Any student who wishes to utilize this policy is required to provide documentation to the Center for Student Success. Acceptable documents may include a funeral program, obituary, signed letter from funeral home, or death certificate. Failure to provide documentation will result in the absences being considered unexcused.
(Approved August 2024)