Sick notes for missed classes and withdrawals

If unexpected circumstances beyond your control are affecting your ability to meet course requirements and you would like to request an academic concession, please take the following steps: 

1. Contact your instructor immediately using the contact information they provided in their syllabus. If you cannot find this, contact your program department for this information.  
2. Provide the instructor the reasons for your absence (e.g., routine illness or chronic illness) and expected return date. Review the course syllabus to find out if any documentation is required at this point. 
3. Follow up with your instructor when you are able to return to class by making an appointment with your instructor and discussing options to make up missed work

Students can obtain supporting documentation through SFU’s Health and Counselling Services (HCS). Supporting documents are provided at the discretion of an HCS professional staff member when:

• You are a patient/client of HCS
• HCS professionals are familiar with your situation and how it affected your ability to work/study/write exams 
• Retroactive considerations may be possible if you were regularly accessing HCS services at the time of difficulty and there is enough information in your file to support your request 
• If you need a letter to support a request for retroactive withdrawals, please make an appointment with your counsellor. In addition, you need to demonstrate that you have a relevant issues management plan, which can be developed with support from HCS

When a requested change to course requirements relates to disability-related accommodations, students can request academic accommodations through SFU’s Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL). CAL is guided by SFU's General Policy 26, "Accessibility for Students with Disabilities". 

Fraser International College's policy states that you do not need a sick note from a doctor for minor, short term illnesses (like a cold or flu) that prevent you from attending class or writing an exam.   

Students in graduate studies often have complex responsibilities outside their life as a student. Work, family and health can all require attention and may interrupt a student's program of study and research.  

Students should inform their graduate programs and senior supervisors of impending disruptions to their graduate studies. Please review the graduate students leaves and withdrawal policy for further information. To be fair to all students, rules and deadlines related to these policies are strictly followed. 

• If you have a family doctor, you can make an appointment with them for your assessment. If you do not have a local family doctor, make an appointment with HCS.  
• If a sick note is required for illnesses lasting more than five consecutive days, please bring a Certificate of Illness to your physician for completion, especially if it is required for midterms, term papers or final exams. The completed note should state the limitations caused by your sickness (e.g. requires bed rest, will not be able to sit for extended periods, cannot concentrate, etc.). Please note that most clinics charge an administrative fee for sick notes.
• HCS staff cannot validate notes from external clinics. If your instructor is not satisfied with the sick note you have provided, you need to return to your treating physician.  

• Medical Services Plan of B.C.(BC MSP)
  BC MSP is required for all SFU students. It provides basic health insurance and covers the costs associated with visiting a physician and the hospital. The website above provides details regarding coverage and the application process
• Appointment Guide***
• International Services for Students - Health Insurance
  Welcome to Canada and SFU! Health insurance for international students is available in many forms. This page has general information, health insurance options, as well as costs and the various applications processes.
• Advising Services – Academic Difficulty
  If you are having difficulty with your courses at SFU, you should make an appointment with an academic advisor for guidance. This website will give you an overview of the different academic standings and how they affect you, as well as the policies associated with academic difficulty.
• Withdrawals under Extenuating Circumstances
  If a medical condition will prevent you from completing a course you might consider applying for a withdrawal with extenuating circumstances. Learn more at the website above. 
• Centre for Students with Disabilities
  Staff at the Centre for Students with Disabilities act as liaisons between students and faculty in the implementation of disability related services and accommodations. Find out more about what services they offer, their hours, and their contact information at the website above.