Goal 12.1 – Expansion of Absence Options to Incorporate Mental Health Issues

During stressful periods like midterms and finals, students need to be able to balance academic responsibilities with mental health. Currently, excused absences are limited to specific conditions such as university activities, disability, religious observance, and health emergencies. This narrow scope makes it difficult for students struggling with mental health to attend class without fear of negatively impacting their grades. The Alvarez Administration will work with the University Approved Absence Office (UAAO) to expand the conditions for excused absences to include mental health concerns and other health issues. This will help students manage their academic and personal lives more effectively during vulnerable times.

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Goal 12.2 – Enforcing Minimum Number of Unexcused Absences Without Academic Consequences

We are committed to protecting and advocating for students in the classroom, with a key focus on standardizing unexcused absences across all departments. Many students, especially those adjusting to college life, face challenges balancing academics, social life, and extracurricular activities, which can lead to missed classes. Professors who allow for unexcused absences help students take necessary mental health breaks without academic penalty. The Alvarez Administration will collaborate with the Dean of Students (DOS) to establish a minimum number of unexcused absences allowed without consequences. Additionally, we will encourage professors to extend deadlines by one day during weeks with wellness days, ensuring that these days truly support student well-being.

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Goal 12.3 – Introducing Flexible Scheduling for Midterms

Midterm season is one of the most stressful times for students, especially without the benefit of reading days like during finals. Balancing academics, social life, and other commitments such as jobs or internships can make it difficult for students to manage their workload. Currently, students can request to reschedule exams if they have more than three within 24 hours, but this flexibility does not apply to midterms. Advocating for the same flexibility for midterms as is provided for finals will allow students to reschedule exams when they have three or more within a 24-hour period, helping them manage their time better and reduce unnecessary stress.

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Goal 12.4 – Adding COVID-19 to University Approved Absence Policy ​

The University Approved Absence Office (UAAO) currently does not recognize COVID-19 as a valid reason for an excused absence, despite its highly contagious nature. This policy forces students to either risk attending class while sick, potentially spreading the virus, or face academic consequences for missing class due to illness. While some professors may be lenient, not all are, and this inconsistency can impact students' grades. The Alvarez Administration aims to work with the UAAO to expand excused absences to include COVID-19, regardless of severity, and advocate for a more holistic and circumstantial review process for absences, ensuring that students' health and academic success are both protected.