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Medical Excuse Policy

Students may experience medical conditions, psychological conditions, illnesses or injuries that require them to be away from the classroom or workplace, or that affect their ability to perform optimally in class or on exams.  

Per USF policy, all students must comply with the provisions of the University catalogs.  Attendance is the responsibility of the student and instructors have the discretion to approve or disapprove any absence.  Although SHWC may verify that you received care and offer a statement in support of consideration of an excused absence, only the instructor may excuse an absence.  In addition, it is important to note that extended absences for any reason may affect a student鈥檚 academic status and/or ability to complete an academic program.  Students must be certain to discuss their absences with their instructors at their earliest opportunity (before, during or immediately after their return to class depending on the circumstances of the medical condition or procedure).  This is solely the responsibility of the student.  There is no circumstance in which SHWC can provide a note if you were NOT seen by our providers. 

Verification of Care Form

Student Health & Wellness Center (SHWC) will provide this 鈥淰erification of Care鈥� form in Support of Consideration of an Excused Absence, however, this is NOT considered an excuse note.  This form verifies that you received care at SHWC on the listed date.  

Verification of Care Note                                                                                                             
SHWC can provide a 鈥淰erification of Care鈥� note only if we are involved in your medical care.

If a professor subsequently requires a note for a medical absence the student must first fill out a release of medical information consent form at SHWC, then the professor must provide SHWC with a written request on USF departmental letterhead and fax it to 813-974-8391.

鈥淰erification of Care鈥� notes are written by SHWC medical providers (MDs, PAs, or ARNPs).  When applicable, a standardized letter is completed, a copy is provided for the instructor and the letter is scanned into the patient鈥檚 electronic health record.  PLEASE NOTE:  If a patient receives care for their illness or injury from a non-SHWC medical provider, they must obtain a 鈥淰erification of Care鈥� note from the medical provider who provided the care.

If a patient significantly improves prior to the estimated return date, or the illness continues longer than estimated, the patient may need to obtain an additional 鈥淰erification of Care鈥� note.  If a patient needs additional time for recovery prior to returning to classes or work, they must return to see the SHWC provider prior to the original estimated return date.

Unless specifically requested by the patient, SHWC does not place a diagnosis on an excuse note.  SHWC staff does not release information about a patient鈥檚 medical and/or psychiatric condition to USF administrators, instructors, parents (unless the patient is a minor) or employers without the patient鈥檚 express permission and a signed release.