A written notification to an instructor regarding a student’s illness that prevents class attendance or the completion of academic assignments is a common form of communication. This message typically includes the student’s name, the course name, the date of the absence, and a brief explanation of the illness. For example: “Dear Professor Smith, I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend your Biology 101 class on October 26th due to a bout of influenza. I will reach out to a classmate for notes.”
Timely and respectful communication of illness contributes significantly to maintaining a positive student-instructor relationship. It allows the instructor to understand the reason for a student’s absence and adjust expectations accordingly. Historically, such communication has transitioned from in-person explanations to phone calls, and now, predominantly, to electronic mail, reflecting advancements in communication technology and increasing class sizes. The clarity and professionalism of this communication reflects the student’s commitment to academic responsibility even when facing health challenges.
