Health Services Missed Class Policy [Effective 4/10/2026]

This policy defines the circumstances under which Health Services will provide verification or documentation for a student’s absence from class to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”).

This policy applies to all RISD students, faculty and staff.

• Debilitating illness: a physical or mental health condition that significantly impairs a student’s ability to attend class, participate in academic activities, or complete required coursework for a period of time. This may include, but is not limited to, acute medical conditions, severe or contagious illnesses, chronic condition flare-ups, mental health crises, or recovery from medical procedures. To qualify under this policy, the illness must be of such severity that attendance or participation would be unreasonable, unsafe, or medically inadvisable, and may require appropriate documentation from a licensed healthcare provider when specified.
• Minor illness: a health condition that is short-term, mild in severity, and not life-threatening, typically resolves on its own or with minimal treatment. Common examples include colds, viral illnesses, minor infections, headaches, and minor injuries.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”): a U.S. Law that protects the privacy and security of patients’ health information.

Health Services provides documentation or verification of a student's absence from class only in cases of hospitalization or debilitating illness. In these circumstances, Health Services will work with Student Life to notify the student’s faculty.

Health Services does not provide excuses, documentation, or verification of minor illnesses or injuries. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their instructor or department directly if they have missed class. Due to HIPAA, Health Services cannot share any information regarding a student without the student’s consent.

When requesting documentation for an absence as set forth above (hospitalization or debilitating illness), the student and/or faculty member will contact Student Life (studentlife@risd.edu), who will then contact Health Services to provide documentation or verification of the absence for medical reasons.

Policy Sanctions

RISD reserves the right to review alleged violations of this policy in conjunction with other appropriate offices and under other applicable College policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to those listed under Related Policies. Failure to comply with this policy and other Related Policies is subject to disciplinary action and sanctions per applicable disciplinary procedures.

This policy was created on: 10/4/2014

This policy was last reviewed/modified on: 3/26/2026

Next scheduled review: 10/26/2028

Issuing Office

Health Services

Responsible Officer

Vice President, Student Life

Individuals/offices required for review and changes

Director, Health Services