Student Absence Notification System

When you have an unexpected absence, contact your professor(s) directly to notify them of your situation and determine if a SANS Form is required for your class.

You or a sponsor may submit a SANS Form here.

Submissions are generally reviewed within 3-5 business days depending on the volume of requests. If your request meets SANS criteria, your instructors will be notified regarding the student absence request for all courses in which you are enrolled.

You will also be informed about relevant available resources on campus related to your situation.

NOTE: The SANS form does not excuse you from classes or course requirements; it is request for your instructors to work with you to complete any work missed during your absence.

If you are a School of Education or School of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Business student, please reach out to your instructors regarding your absence and refer to your syllabi to determine if a SANS form is required.

School of Nursing students are not eligible to complete this form. Refer to the BSN-Handbook for information regarding your absence policies.

You should submit your own SANS Form whenever possible. If you are unable to submit, a sponsor may submit on your behalf. Eligible sponsors are a parent, guardian, partner, or close family member.

Documentation is required for all submissions. Requests submitted without documentation will be denied. Documentation must include the following:

• Name of person experiencing the circumstance leading to your absence
• Dates related to the absence requested
• Logo or official letterhead of the institution providing the documentation

Photographs and text messages generally do not qualify as official documentation. However, a photo of an official document (instead of a scanned copy) is appropriate to submit.

Absences for a situation cannot be longer than 14 consecutive days. You can only submit SANS forms for a total of 14 days in any single semester. SANS absences in the Winter session are counted as part of the Spring semester.

Summer Semesters

Absences for any given situation cannot be longer than 7 consecutive days. You can only submit SANS forms for a total of 7 days in one semester. The summer semester includes the 12 week and 6 week sessions.

Military Absences

During Fall and Spring semesters, absences may be no longer than 14 consecutive days. For more information, review the following policy.

The following circumstances are appropriate for submitting a SANS request:

Temporary Medical Issue

• Examples: Illness, injury, surgery, or family medical emergency with admission to hospital
  • Absences related to disability and chronic conditions do not qualify for SANS. Please reach out to the Disability Resource Center regarding disability-related supports.
• Documentation example: Note from a qualified medical provider

Legal Obligations/Jury Duty

• Examples: Subpoena, jury duty
• Documentation examples: Subpoena, jury summons

Pregnancy

• Circumstance: Pregnancy
• Documentation example: Note from a qualified medical provider

Funeral/Caregiving

• Examples: Death of family member, emergency caregiving to family member
  • Loss of a pet is not an eligible circumstance
• Documentation examples: Memorial service pamphlet, death certificate, obituary

Military Obligations

• Examples: Official military orders placing you into active-duty status. Official military orders requiring you to attend training
• Documentation examples: You must provide a copy of military orders outlining the dates of deployment and any travel days. If orders are not available, or the location of a deployment is classified by the Department of Defense, a verifiable letter on unit letterhead with information outlining the dates on which you will be on active duty and travel days, signed by an appropriate officer, shall suffice

Safety or Housing Related Emergency

• Examples: Domestic abuse, homelessness
• Documentation example: Police report, eviction notice
  • We recognize you may not have documentation for these circumstances. You may still submit the SANS form and will be connected with Student Wellness for assistance

 Transportation

• Examples: Car breakdown, accident, or theft
• Documentation examples: Police report, mechanic receipt

The events below do not qualify for the SANS process. If your absence does not qualify for a SANS Form, work with your instructors individually regarding any potential absences. Granting excused absences and alternative arrangements are at the discretion of your instructor.

• Cold or other short-term illnesses
• Non-urgent medical appointments or visits (dentist visits, annual exams, physicals, etc.)
• Weather
• Final exams, TEAS exams, Praxis exam
• Family events, trips, wedding, graduation, etc.
• Loss of a pet

We understand that managing coursework alongside personal circumstances can be challenging. If you are experiencing difficulties, the university offers a range of support services that may be helpful, including:

• Student Counseling Services – confidential support for personal, emotional, or mental wellbeing concerns.
• Student Wellness Services – support for overall wellbeing, including referrals.
• STAR Success Coaching – assistance navigating campus resources, personalized support to help you navigate academic and personal challenges.
• Academic Success Center – free tutoring, study skills, and academic coaching to help you stay on track in your courses.
• Disability Resource Center – accommodations for documented needs.
• Scorpion Food Pantry – access to basic necessities as needed.
• Community Resources – community-based programs offering support for basic needs, wellbeing, and crisis situations.
• Academic Advising Center  – support for student success through strategic academic planning and proactive mentorship.

For more information, please contact:

Email: SANS@nevadastate.edu

Phone: 702-992-2586