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What you can say to tell a professor or teacher you won’t be in class
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It happens! Sometimes you have to miss school. Whether you have a doctor’s appointment during math class or wake up sick with the flu, everyone misses class occasionally. But how can you let your teacher or professor know you’ll be out? A quick email can solve all of your worries and keep everyone updated. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write an absence email to your instructor so you can stay in their good graces.
Things You Should Know
- State when and why you’ll miss class at the start of your email (and be honest about it).
- Express your apologies for being absent to show the instructor that missing class is the last thing you want to do.
- Ask your teacher or professor for any work you may miss so they know you put your studies first.
- Attach any homework or due assignments to your email to stay up-to-date with your coursework.
Steps
Section 2 of 3:
What to Put in Your Email
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Let your teacher know you’ll be missing class in the subject line. The subject line is like the title of your email—it’s the first thing the teacher or professor will see. So, briefly explain the reason for your message and include any other relevant information, like the class number or date. [1] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
- “Out Sick 3/10”
- “Missing Class on Friday”
- “ENGL 101 - Absent due to family emergency”
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Open with a professional greeting. Address the teacher or professor politely by their title and last name on the first line of your email. Avoid using the instructor’s first name (unless you’re on a first-name basis) and stick with a formal greeting like “Dear” or “Good morning.” [2] X Research source
- “Good morning, Mr. Dickson,”
- “Dear Professor Smith,”
- “Mrs. Evans,”
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State that you’ll be missing class. Begin the body of your email with an explanation of your reason for emailing them. Include the date(s) you’ll be absent and your excuse. [3] X Research source
- “I wanted to let you know that I will not be in class today because of an unexpected family emergency.”
- “Unfortunately, I cannot attend your lecture on Friday because I have a doctor’s appointment.”
- “I am emailing you to inform you that I will not be in class on Monday, July 17th.”
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Express how your absence will affect your classwork. If your absence interferes with an assignment’s due date or presentation, detail this in your email. State the problem, and then provide a solution. This shows initiative and lets your instructor know you’re at the top of your game. [4] X Research source
- “I recognize that we have a paper due on Monday, so I’ll turn it in on Friday instead.”
- “I understand that our Virginia Woolf presentations are due today. Is it possible to record my presentation and send it to you?”
- “I went ahead and attached last night’s homework to this email.”
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Ask for any missing work or notes. Let your teacher or professor know you’re willing to make up any in-class work you miss. Request the missed lecture’s slideshow, lesson handouts, or in-class activities. Asking for these will help you stay on track and show your instructor you’re eager to learn despite your absence. [5] X Research source
- “Can I come by during your office hours on Tuesday to pick up the handouts?”
- “Is it possible to get a copy of Friday’s lecture?”
- “What will be focused on in class that day? I’d like to complete any and all work I’ll miss to have ready for you when I return.”
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Apologize and thank your instructor. Missing class due to an appointment or unforeseen circumstance doesn’t just affect you; it also affects your teacher or professor! Tell them you’re sorry for your absence, and express gratitude for their patience and cooperation.
- “I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause.”
- “Thank you for understanding. I’ll make sure I have all the required paperwork for you when I return.”
- “The last thing I want to do is miss class, but this was the only appointment available.”
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End the email with a formal closing statement. Once you’re satisfied with the body of your email, type a closing statement and follow with your first and last name. [6] X Research source
- Stick with a closing like “Best,” “Thank you,” “Regards,” or “Sincerely.”
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat should I put as the subject?Brian Salazar-PrinceTop AnswererI would suggest something like "Expected Absence" or "Anticipated Absence" because it will allow them to gauge from the subject of the e-mail that it is important and you are attempting to be respectful by alerting them in advance.
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QuestionHow do I, as a teacher, write a short message about missing class today?Catlover68065Community AnswerHello, class. I will not be at school today because of a family emergency. Work on the assignment titled ("name of assignment"). The substitute will help you work through it. Best Regards, (name of teacher).
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QuestionWhat can I say in an email to my teacher requesting that they explain a lesson over again?Community AnswerDear (name of teacher), I didn't quite understand the lesson you taught on (day of the week) regarding (topic of presentation). Could you please explain it to us again? Thank you, (your name)
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Tips
- Keep your tone polite and formal in your email. Using slang or emoticons can detract from the credibility of your email. [12] X Research sourceThanks
- If your teacher has a no-email policy, don't email them; instead, tell a friend to pass along a written note for you or call the school office to report your absence.Thanks
- If you have the teacher's personal email address, don’t use it unless the teacher has specifically asked you to.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-e-mail-communication/
- ↑ https://www.bu.edu/com/files/2021/11/WC_emails_to_profs_and_TAs.pdf
- ↑ https://www.bu.edu/com/files/2021/11/WC_emails_to_profs_and_TAs.pdf
- ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/email-etiquette-for-students
- ↑ https://www.usm.edu/student-success/email-etiquette.php
- ↑ https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/different-genres/sending-email-to-faculty-and-administrators
- ↑ https://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu/how-write-email-your-instructor
- ↑ https://www.niu.edu/student-life/on-track/prof-email.shtml
- ↑ https://mhanational.org/how-talk-your-professor-about-your-mental-health
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