Absence and Attendance Policy

Effective 7/1/2025

To whom this policy applies

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) Medical Students

Definitions

Excused absence: An excused absence is an approved absence from a required activity—such as a class, exam, or shift—that is permitted without penalty because it meets specific criteria set by UNR Med, as described below. Absences that fall outside of this definition are considered unexcused.

Purpose/background

Attendance management is an integral part of delivering medical education curriculum and ensuring the personal wellbeing and professional development of students. The active learning sessions in the pre-clerkship curriculum and team-based structure of the clinical environment depend on the engagement and participation of students to maximize the value and effectiveness of teaching sessions. Managing the balance between personal and professional obligations is a key professional skill that is developed as part of the medical training process.  Similarly, communication around attendance and one’s ability to fulfill professional obligations is a required skill for health care providers.  
UNR Med recognizes that students will have scheduled and/or emergent personal obligations that may conflict with required elements of the curriculum. Attendance patterns can be an indicator of how students are managing the balance between personal and professional obligations and can help identify students with additional resource needs. Excused absences may have implications for meeting the objectives of the course and assignment of the final grade as detailed in the course syllabus. Unexcused absences will result in a professionalism report, pursuant to the Medical Student Professionalism Policy. Requests that involve missing assessments will be considered on an individual basis. Scheduled make-up exam days may not be utilized outside of an excused absence.

This policy outlines the attendance, participation and absence policy learning activities, aligned with the Medical Education Program Objectives:

  1. IPCS 3: Work effectively with others as a member of a health care team or other professional group.
  2. PPD.3: Manage conflict between personal and professional responsibilities.
  3. PROF.1: Demonstrate compassion, integrity, and respect for others.
  4. PROF.3: Demonstrate accountability to patients, society, and the profession.
  5. PPD.1: Develop the ability to use self-awareness of knowledge, skills, and emotional limitations to engage in appropriate help-seeking behaviors.  
  6. PROF.5: Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of care, confidentiality, informed consent, and business practices, including compliance with relevant laws,policies, and regulations.
  7. ICS.1: Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the public, as appropriate, across a broad range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Policy

Absences from Scheduled Classes and/or Clerkships and Electives due to healthcare needs or emergency:

Students are permitted excused absences from a required curricular and/or clinical activity to access healthcare services, or due to illness or an emergency (for themselves or a family member).  A student who is unable to participate in a required event because of an unforeseen illness or personal/family issue must contact the course/clerkship director as soon as possible. In cases of emergency, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs can be contacted directly. An Absence Request Form must be completed within 48 hours of notification of course/clerkship director and/or the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, unless extenuating circumstances prevent that process.

  • Students with a recurring medical appointment or health issue must be in contact with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to support them in navigating the issue, including communicating with the course/clerkship director. This may also include referral to the UNR Disability Resource Center for help with accommodations.
  • In case of acute illness, students are encouraged to take appropriate time off and seek medical care. They should communicate with the appropriate course/clerkship director as soon as possible in regard to their illness prior to filling out the absence request form.
  • If a student is ill for more than 3 days, they should reach out to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs for additional guidance. Depending on the circumstance and the length of time away from the MD program, students may be given an in-progress grade. An incomplete grade may require the work to be completed at another time to meet course or clerkship objectives. A detailed plan for resolving the incomplete grade will be developed by the course/clerkship director and the Associate Dean of Curricular Affairs, in collaboration with the student.

Absences from Scheduled Classes and/or Clerkship and Electives due to anticipated events:

Absences may be granted from a required curricular and/or clinical activity for the following planned events:

  • To attend a significant lifetime event (i.e. weddings, childbirth, national competition, legal proceeding)
  • Conference attendance
  • Peer teaching activity (POM/ACS)
  • Residency interviews
  • Religious holidays in accordance with the UAM 3,020: Class Absence Policy

A lack of preparedness is not an acceptable justification for an absence request.

The absence request form shall be completed as soon as a student is notified of the event. The student must also reach out to the appropriate course/clerkship director prior to submitting the Absence Request Form to determine the content and work associated with the missed session(s). Initial approval of the absence will be at the discretion of the course/clerkship director, but final approval rests with the Associate Dean of Curricular Affairs. Student Affairs is available to assist with communication as necessary.

Review

Approved by Medical Education Steering Committee, 05/16/2025