Students should request an Absence Policy Criteria Review to determine if their absence meets policy criteria. A review is only necessary if you are missing or will miss a graded assessment (test, mandatory attendance, assignment deadline, etc.) per the course syllabus due to all illnesses, accidents/emergencies, family concerns, and other extenuating and unforeseen circumstances out of your direct control (see Student Handbook for more details).

Next steps - Must be completed within 24 hours of occurrence unless incapacitated*:

1. Notify your faculty, in the preferred method identified in the course syllabus, that you are submitting an Absence Policy Review to the Dean of Students office (DOS).
2. Complete an Absence Policy Criteria Review Request Form, providing the necessary documentation as identified.
3. Reach out to your faculty, within 24 hours of a response from the DOS, to arrange for completion, if possible, of missed course requirements.

DOS only reviews requests against policy criteria and does not excuse the absence or determine how to meet course objectives. Only faculty can determine how and if course objectives can be met, including if a missed assessment can be rescheduled. Some assessments are course-critical and unrecoverable if missed.

The third (or more) missed assessments in a course will be sent to the Absence Review Committee to determine if continuation of the course is possible and will achieve course objectives. 

Questions about the policy or the process? Contact dos@sonoran.edu. 

*Incapacitation occurs when a student is completely impaired, helpless, and unable to perform any functions for themselves, mentally make any decisions, or interact with others. Incapacitation may also occur when a student is physically restricted from communicating with the school due to extenuating circumstances, such as hospitalization, natural disaster, or similar physical limitations not under their direct control.

+Bereavement is limited to three days. Please identify the situation with the Dean of Students in your request. Situations connected to a bereavement may fall under different classifications. 

NOTE: Transmittable and Contagious Illness Protocol

Students with illnesses that display any of the following symptoms, not part of a previously diagnosed chronic medical condition, even if not missing a graded assessment, will be placed on temporary Quarantine Protocol, and must remain off campus until released by the Dean of Students.

• Fever (>100F or >38C) or chills 
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestions or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Please follow the Next Steps above. Faculty understand this protocol and will work with students when a quarantine occurs. Some students may be able to participate virtually, if available, with the permission of their faculty. 

Students are eligible to return when two conditions have been fully met:

1. You are completely asymptomatic for at least 24 hours before returning to campus
2. You provide a negative COVID test result, taken within the last 24 hours, to the Dean of Students at DOS@sonoran.edu. (At-home test kits are sufficient for this requirement)

Please use the button below to schedule an phone or in-person appointment with the following individuals:

• Admissions
• Online Programs Student Success Team
• Academic Advising 
• Career Services
• Dean of Students
• Financial Aid
• Learning Specialist
• Registrar's Office

Schedule Appointment