Dean of Students

In the event of student illness, injury, or extenuating circumstances, the Office of the Dean of Students may notify course instructors, academic advisor, and academic dean upon receipt of appropriate documentation. However, a notification is not an excuse for missing class. The University does not issue excuses to students for class absences. For more information, email deanofstudents@newark.rutgers.edu or call (973) 353-5063.

It is University policy (University Regulation on Attendance, Book 2, 2.47B, formerly 60.14f) to excuse, without penalty, students who are absent from class because of religious observance and to allow the make-up of work missed because of such absence.

Students are advised to provide advance notification to instructors about necessary absences for religious observances. It is recommended that the request be made as soon as the student is aware of a potential conflict to allow sufficient time for the student and the instructor to engage in an interactive dialogue to identify appropriate accommodation(s).

Students should be given the opportunity to complete appropriate make-up work that is equivalent and intrinsically no more difficult than the original exam or assignment. The student can work with the instructor to determine a schedule for making up missed work.

Being absent from class or other educational responsibilities does not excuse students from keeping up with any information shared or expectations set during the missed class(es). Students are responsible for obtaining the materials and information provided during any class(es) missed.

Students who receive an excused absence for religious observance cannot be penalized for failing to attend class on the days exempted. The instructor may, however, appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete any alternative assignment or examination by the agreed upon schedule and apply the same grading consequences held for all students.

Instructors may request that students procure a letter from the Office of the Dean of Students related to any class sessions missed due to the religious observance. To receive a letter, contact the Office of the Dean of Students in advance and submit appropriate supporting information.

Temporary conditions or injuries do not last long (typically 8 weeks or less), are not chronic, and have little or no outstanding or lasting effects. Temporary Conditions or injuries lasting six months or less are not considered permanent disabilities and generally do not qualify as a disability under federal or state laws. The University does recognize that temporary conditions and injuries can be problematic and may adversely affect a student’s ability to fully participate in class.

Examples of Temporary Conditions or Injuries:

• A sprained or broken hand, finger, leg, or other joint that will heal completely within a few weeks or months.
• Minor or non-chronic medical conditions or disorders that last more than a few weeks.
• Medical conditions that last several weeks without lasting effects.
• Surgeries that temporarily impact a student in a course without lasting effects.
• Condition caused by an accident or injury that will heal under six months’ time with no lasting effects.

Should a temporary condition have continued lasting effects (examples might include concussive syndrome or complications due to surgery that cause permanent injury), then the Office of Disability Services should be contacted for a consultation and an intake interview.

If additional assistance is needed simply fill out the web form with questions or concerns which will be directed the appropriate university personnel. Once the form is submitted, someone from the University will promptly follow up.

It is recognized that providing assistance for such conditions is a team approach at the University. There are many departments, offices, and individuals that may assist a student with temporary conditions, including the student themselves, their instructors and their peers.

All members of the Rutgers University community—our faculty members, students, alumni, and staff—are free to express their viewpoints in public forums. This includes viewpoints that may differ from the majority of people in the University community.

Rutgers University does not restrict the activities of recognized university organizations, including the speakers they invite to campus, provided organizations obey the law and follow University policy and guidelines regarding these events.

Expressive activities should not disrupt normal University operations. Be aware of activities that might block access to campus buildings or obstruct the free movement of persons about campus.

When in doubt, please feel free to contact the Office of Reservations & Special Events, Office of Student Life & Leadership, Intercultural Resource Center, Office of Community Standards & Student Development, or the Office of the Dean of Students. We can answer questions about public forums on campus, assist with planning, and provide you with access to University policies and procedures.