Medical Emergency and Temporary Health Conditions

Medical Emergency

Accessibility Services offers support to students who may be hospitalized and /or experiencing medical emergencies. Students experiencing medical emergencies that result in extended absences may contact Accessibility Services at (507) 537-6492. Accessibility Services staff will collect information from the student or their representative, document the reason for the absence, and contact the student’s instructors upon receipt of supporting medical documentation. It is the responsibility of the student or their representative to provide documentation that states the diagnosis and the expected dates of absence.

The information provided to Accessibility Services does not require any action by the course instructor and serves to verify the absence. Students must follow up with their course instructors as soon as possible to discuss their status in each class and clarify whether successful course completion is possible given the extended absence or whether other options should be considered. The Accessibility Services staff will assist the student, as needed, with course advising tailored to their particular circumstances. 

Students experiencing family crises and emergencies that are not related to a medical emergency involving the student, and which lead or may lead to extended absences (two weeks or longer) should contact the Jefferson (Jay) Lee IV, Dean of Students, at (507) 537-7285 or Jay.Lee@SMSU.edu.

Temporary Health Condition

If more than two weeks of class are missed due to an illness, Accessibility Services offers support to students with a temporary, documented health condition. Services are extended only for the duration of the illness-related limitations. Students experiencing temporary illnesses (less than two weeks) are responsible for contacting their course instructors.

Students should provide documentation of their temporary illness, including diagnosis and a summary of the functional limitations. After reviewing the documentation and meeting with Accessibility Services, the appropriate supports are determined by how the student’s functional limitations affect the academic setting. 

This temporary illness form may be completed and returned by your medical provider for documentation.