Academic Notification Request

The Vice President's Office for Student Affairs may send Academic Notifications for students experiencing qualifying critical situations or emergencies to notify their professors and request leniency during the affected time.

How to talk to professors about missing class and/or extenuating circumstances

We recommend students first talk to professors to help bridge the gap between a personal/family situation, illness or injury, or any other matters that may be impacting ability to temporarily attend classes, focus on classwork, and/or meet academic deadlines.

To assist with communications, we recommend the following tips to students:

Email professor to convey initial situation.
Discreet language you can use: medical reasons, unexpected personal situation, on-going health needs, family situation, etc.
Utilize professor's office hours or ask to schedule an appointment to follow-up about missed coursework.
Share documentation that can verify dates and situations.
Plan ahead to discuss missed work: quizzes, assignments, exams, class participation.
Try to create an action plan with the professor after meeting/talking.
Continue to follow-up with professors for additional missed classes.

What may qualify for an Academic Notification?

Examples of critical situations/emergencies that may qualify for an Academic Notification:

Apartment fire or natural disaster
Crime victimizations
Hospitalizations (medical emergencies)
Life-threatening issues
Bereavement (death in the family)
Family Emergencies (accidents/situations resulting in critical care)

Examples that are NOT considered critical situations/emergencies when requesting an Academic Notification:

Allergies & short-term illnesses (flu, cold, etc.)
Doctor's appointments
Events (family weddings, etc.)
Job interviews
Long-term injuries/illnesses (please register with the ADRC)

Register with the ADRC

ADRC disability professionals work with students and faculty to provide equitable and effective access for students with documented long-term and temporary medical conditions to support their full participation in The University of Oklahoma classes and activities.

Additional Resources

Dealing with an issue that may not qualify for an Academic Notification from Student Affairs? Please review following resources.

Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

Phone: (405) 325-3852 (Voice) / (405) 325-4173 (TDD)
Email: adrc@ou.edu

To register with the ADRC and learn more about resources and accomodations, please visit their website.

ADRC Webpage

OU Food Pantry

The University of Oklahoma's Food Pantry is a student-run facility that is dedicated to creating a culture of health and wellness within the OU Community.

OU Food Pantry Hours

Tuesdays: 8am – 6pm
Wednesdays-Thursdays: 10am – 6pm

Visit the OU Food Pantry

If you would like to reach the Food Pantry by phone, call the office at (405) 325-2044. If you need to get in touch with the Food Pantry outside of normal business hours, please email at oupantry@ou.edu or message via the Food Pantry Instagram.

Graduation Persistence Support (GPS)

The Office of Graduation and Persistence Support (GPS) is committed to seeing students achieve their goal of graduating from the University of Oklahoma. The GPS team works collaboratively with other support resources across campus to achieve student success. For more information, get in contact with the GPS team or visit their webpage.

Phone: (405) 325-0841
Email: gps@ou.edu

GPS Webpage

Office of the Provost

As the chief academic officer of the Norman campus, the Senior Vice President and Provost plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the academic mission of the University of Oklahoma. The Provost provides academic leadership, promotes faculty excellence and student success, ensures academic program quality, and contributes to the strategic growth and advancement of the institution.

Contact the Provost's Office

Provost Communications

Make an Academic Notification Request

Submit an Academic Notification Request