Excused Absence Letter

For regularly scheduled athletic competitions, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to give each of their instructors an Excused Absence Letter during the first two weeks of classes each semester, which lists the dates they may be missing class due to University-sponsored athletic events. Prior to each competition, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to communicate the upcoming excused absence with their instructors. The purpose of this communication is to make sure that instructors are informed that the student may be absent from class on the dates listed on the respective team letter. The University’s policy on Excused Student Absences for Official University-Sponsored Events can be viewed here. UH username and password required to view excused absence letters and rosters.

Student-Athlete Academic Advisors

Academic advisors are assigned by sports teams. Academic advisor contact information may be viewed online at: 

https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/saas/meet-the-saas-team/

https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/saas/programs-and-services/excused-absence-letter/

Missed Class Time

When scheduling athletic competitions and practices, every effort is made to minimize conflicts between athletics participation and academic schedules, especially during exam periods. NCAA rules prohibit missing classes for practice. During finals week, no regular-season competition will be scheduled and practices will be kept to a minimum. Exceptions may be granted with the approval of both the Athletics Director and the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success. In the event a home competition is approved to be played during finals week, exams must be taken as scheduled unless the instructor approves otherwise. Every effort will be made not to schedule home events during normal class times (Coaches Handbook 2021-2022).

Excused Student Absences for Official University-Sponsored Events

Faculty members will make all reasonable attempts to accommodate student absences from class due to their participation in a university-sponsored event, such as an intercollegiate athletic competition or academic event at which the student represents his or her department or UH Mānoa.

For regularly-scheduled events, students are to notify instructors within the first two weeks of the semester. For special events or tournaments, students are to notify their instructors as soon as they learn of the anticipated absence. In both cases, students who must miss class for such events will be responsible for completing all assigned work as expeditiously as possible (UHM Catalog).

Excused Absence Communication

Prior to each competition, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate the upcoming excused absence with each of their instructors for both synchronous and asynchronous courses.  The purpose of this communication is to make sure that instructors are informed that the student may be absent from class on the dates listed above and to discuss reasonable accommodations for missed course content. The excused absence letter does not excuse student-athletes from any work that is missed while participating in a University-sponsored athletic event and student-athletes are responsible for working with their professors to make arrangements for making up any work that is missed due to competition.  Excused absence letters for each event may be viewed online at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/saas/programs-and-services/excused-absence-letter/

Competition Rosters

Excused absence letters and competition rosters may be viewed online at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/saas/programs-and-services/excused-absence-letter/. Every effort will be made to have a current and complete rosters posted and any last-minute changes will be posted as soon as possible. Only those student-athletes on the rosters are excused from attending class.

Examinations While Competing for Official University-Sponsored Events 

If faculty members have questions about examination administration or need assistance proctoring their examinations while student-athletes are competing for official university-sponsored events, please contact the academic advisor of your student-athlete 

https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/saas/meet-the-saas-team/

https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/saas/programs-and-services/excused-absence-letter/