Services
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 SHS 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's 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 SHS can provide a note if you were NOT seen by our providers.
Verification of Care Form
Student Health Services (SHS) will provide this "Verification of Care" 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 SHS on the listed date.
Verification of Care Note
SHS can provide a "Verification of Care" note only if we are involved in your medical
care for three or more days, or in limited cases of severe illness/injury if medically
indicated.
If a professor subsequently requires a note for a medical absence of fewer than three days; the student must first fill out a release of medical information consent form at SHS, then the professor must provide SHS with a written request on USF departmental letterhead and fax it to 813-974-8391.
"Verification of Care" notes are written by SHS 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's electronic health record. PLEASE NOTE: If a patient receives care for their illness or injury from a non-SHS medical provider, they must obtain a "Verification of Care" 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 "Verification of Care" note. If a patient needs additional time for recovery prior to returning to classes or work, they must return to see the SHS provider prior to the original estimated return date.
- Unless specifically requested by the patient, SHS does not place a diagnosis on an excuse note. SHS staff does not release information about a patient's medical and/or psychiatric condition to USF administrators, instructors, parents (unless the patient is a minor) or employers without the patient's express permission and a signed release.