Health & Well-being Concern

Before you reach out, check your syllabus for the preferred method of communication. Some instructors prefer email while others may request communication through Canvas. 

• Be clear and concise
• Communicate directly with each instructor
• Share only what you’re comfortable disclosing — you do not need to provide detailed personal or medical information

What to include in your message 

• Briefly share your situation in general terms 
• Be specific about what support may help you succeed (for example: flexibility with deadlines, extensions, or other options) or request help identifying options  
• Offer to meet virtually, in person, or by phone to talk through a plan 

Sample Message

Not sure where to start? Use this sample as a guideline or reach out to Student Care and Advocacy for help crafting your message. 

• Hello Professor [Last Name], 
  I wanted to reach out to let you know that I’m currently dealing with a health concern that is impacting my ability to keep up with coursework. I wanted to ask if you would be willing to work with me to identify options that would help me stay on track.  
  
  I’m happy to meet if that would be helpful. Thank you for your time and understanding. 

Student Care and Advocacy can help support your overall well-being and help you navigate challenges that may impact your success at Penn State.

• The office does not provide excuse notes but can help you navigate resources
• Contact your instructor as a first step

Provided Support

• Guidance on communicating with instructors 
• Talking through next steps 
• Connecting you to campus resources 
• Basic needs support (food, housing, financial concerns) 
• Short-term problem solving during stressful or unexpected situations 
• Contacting instructors only during serious situations where the student is incapacitated

Student Disability Resources provides reasonable accommodations and services to students with disabilities who are enrolled at University Park. Students needing to request reasonable accommodations for an ongoing disability should contact Student Disability Resources to schedule an intake appointment with a disability specialist. Student Disability Resources may be able to assist with temporary accommodations.  Students should contact that office to discuss individualized need.  A student may also choose to work directly with professors to discuss their needs related to a short-term injury or illness.

Student Care and Advocacy typically contacts faculty only when a student is incapacitated, meaning they are unable to communicate or function due to a serious situation, such as:

• Hospitalization
• Significant medical or mental health crisis
• Emergency circumstances affecting daily functioning

If you can reach out to your instructor yourself, that is usually the best first step.

In instances when the student cannot notify their faculty of associated class absences, we send a general notification to the student's instructors to inform them of the student's missed class and expected return date, if known. We are happy to serve as a liaison until it's reasonable for the student to resume his or her studies.

This notification is sent as a courtesy notification that the student's circumstances are such that it may warrant a valid absence from class. Any academic accommodations or arrangements to make up missed work must be agreed upon between the student and faculty member.

When a student is admitted to a local hospital, the student is invited to sign a release of information which allows the hospital to notify Student Care and Advocacy of the student's status and gather assistance in advocating on the student's behalf, including but not limited to faculty notification and post-hospitalization follow up meetings.

Student Care and Advocacy works closely with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to provide students with the support they need, especially when they are managing the academic impact of mental health emergencies or related issues. 

Many students choose to sign an information release with their counselor so that Student Care and Advocacy can stay informed of their progress and know how best to help. Because mental health issues can cause a great disruption to academic, social, and general well-being, we urge students to utilize the services offered on campus.

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) addresses the psychological needs and personal concerns of students that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, and emotional well-being by offering a variety of services including but not limited to individual and group counseling.
• The R-VOICE Center supports students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other campus climate issues. Staff provide education, advocacy, referrals, and crisis intervention/support counseling.
• The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity provides education, information, and advocacy services.
• The Paul Robeson Cultural Center provides programs and services that encourage the appreciation of the diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures of many under-represented communities that comprise the population of the University community.
• The Collegiate Recovery Community helps students in recovery from alcohol and other addictions.
• The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development offers a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment for the Penn State community to explore a multitude of faith traditions in a compassionate, open-minded setting. The center aims to promote an environment that stretches beyond tolerance to a genuine appreciation of and respect for religious and spiritual diversity.