If a student misses an exam in college due to illness, the specific consequences and procedures will vary depending on the college's policies and the professor's discretion. Here are some general steps that are often followed:
Notify the Professor or College: As soon as the student realizes they cannot attend the exam due to illness, they should inform their professor or the relevant college department. It is crucial to do this promptly and preferably before the exam takes place.
Provide Documentation: In most cases, the college will require some form of documentation to verify the illness. This might include a medical certificate or a doctor's note stating that the student was not fit to take the exam on the scheduled date.
Make-Up Exam or Alternative Arrangements: Depending on the college's policies and the professor's discretion, the student may be offered a make-up exam. Alternatively, the professor might provide an alternative assessment method, such as a different exam format, a project, or additional coursework.
Deadline for Makeup/Alternative Exam: There will usually be a specific deadline by which the student needs to complete the makeup exam or submit the alternative assignment.
Excused Absence: In most cases, if the illness is documented and the student follows the appropriate procedures, the absence from the exam is considered excused, meaning it does not negatively impact the student's academic record or GPA.
No-Show Policy: Some colleges might have specific no-show policies for exams, which could lead to a deduction of points or a grade penalty. However, if the student has a valid reason like illness and provides documentation, such penalties are often waived.
It is essential for students to be familiar with their college's policies regarding missed exams due to illness and to communicate openly with their professors or relevant college personnel. If a student has a chronic or prolonged illness that affects their ability to attend exams regularly, they should consider discussing possible accommodations with their college's disability services or academic advising office.