Guide
How students can report absences due to ill health
You can use a self certificate for the first 7 days of an absence. This form may be used as evidence for mitigating circumstances or absence reporting
Updated on 16 October 2024
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How to report an absence
- Stay in contact with your School Office, and wherever possible, on first day of absence.
- All sections of the form to be completed.
- The form must be emailed to your School Office, along with your Mitigating Circumstances Application Form and, if appropriate, any other evidence which supports your application.
- The University Health Service will only provide a doctor’s letter (if appropriate), if you have actually been seen by medical/nursing staff whilst unwell. Letters will not be given retrospectively.
Details of absence
- The self certificate normally only covers the first 7 days of absence and can be completed without seeing a doctor.
- A GP may provide evidence of illness but may charge for this service.
- If you have been seen by a GP whilst unwell, you can contact the GP medical centre/practice to discuss obtaining a letter without booking another appointment
- Remember to include weekends and days on which you were not timetabled to attend in the dates of absence.
Reason for absence
- Try to give as many details as possible.
- Words like "unwell" or "illness" are not acceptable.
Complete the form
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