UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Student Health Services

Medical Excuse Policy

UWRF STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES DOES NOT PROVIDE EXCUSES FOR ABSENCES FROM CLASS.  A student who is absent should notify instructors by phone, email, or in person of the absence as soon as possible.  Arrangements for make-up work, make-up exams, or possible assignment adjustments are entirely the responsibility of the student.  Medical excuses will not be written by staff or providers at the M Health Fairview Clinic-River Falls nor by UWRF Student Health Services staff.

However, for more information about what to do if a student is physically or mentally incapacitated due to an illness or accident, go to:  From the Provost's Office: Student Absence Policy.

For Instructors:


Just as the University does not routinely require that its employees provide a written “medical excuse” for absences due to illness, most instructors do not demand that students provide “medical excuses” for their absences that are due to illness or injury.

It is, and has been for many years, the policy of UWRF Student Health Services to not provide such “excuses.” Our reasons are several, including increased costs incurred by Student Health Services for unnecessary office visits, that most illnesses or injuries are effectively and appropriately managed by self-care and do not require an office visit, and that we are committed to protecting student privacy. Our policy resembles those of many other universities. 

This policy is respectful of students, promotes mature behavior in our campus community, and avoids inconvenience for students, instructors, and Student Health Services staff and M Health Fairview Clinic-River Falls providers.

UWRF Director of Student Health and Counseling Services
715-425-3293

Contact Us

Student Health and Counseling Services
Student Health Services: 715-425-3293
student.health.services@uwrf.edu
Counseling Services: 715-425-3884
counseling.services@uwrf.edu
M-F: 8 am - 4:30 pm
254 Rodli Hall