Attendance and Absence

To report your absence, go to the Absence Reporting tile on MyDay or complete the form.

It is recognised that on occasion students may need to have a period of absence. These guidelines explain how Further Education students should notify your PDA of an absence, whether that absence counts as an “authorised absence” and how absences may affect any Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and / or Bursary funding.

Reasons for authorised absence

Ill health - absences up to 7 days require the student to contact the College. Absences of more than five days up to a maximum of four weeks require a medical certificate from a doctor (if a period of absence extends beyond 4 weeks, students must contact their PDA). Students with an ongoing medical condition that may affect their attendance whilst they are at college are advised to contact their PDA as soon as possible.
Medical / dental appointments - for either the student, their child or a dependent adult. Every effort should be made to avoid making appointments when classes are scheduled. If this is not possible, appointment cards / texts / hospital letters must be provided.
Jury duty / court appearances - a Court citation and / or a letter from a solicitor or court official must be provided.
Religious holidays / festivals - please provide details when reporting the absence.
Unexpected caring responsibilities - for example, the ill health of the student’s child(ren) or a dependent adult.
Care related responsibilities - for example, attendance at a children’s hearing, meetings related to caring responsibilities / needs. Relevant documentation should be provided, if appropriate.
Driving test / university or college interviews / job interviews - written appointment / interview details must be provided.
Bereavement / funeral - for family members / close friends.
Work experience placements - relevant to a student’s course and sanctioned by their PDA.
Severe weather / transport breakdown - considered for authorisation on an individual basis.
Exam preparation - must be agreed by PDA / relevant member of academic team.
Fulfilment of an official position - for example HISA representation. Relevant documentation should be provided.
Maternity /paternity / adoption leave - Maternity leave is available up to a maximum of four weeks and paternity leave up to a maximum of two weeks. Supporting documentary evidence will be required.

How absence affects your funding

EMA and Bursary funding is subject to satisfactory attendance and engagement on the course for which funding was awarded and this will be monitored on an individual basis by the student’s Personal Development Advisor (PDA) and the Funding Team.

Students in receipt of an EMA are required to maintain 100% attendance (including authorised absences) to guarantee their funding.

Students should be aware that UHI Inverness may withhold/cancel payments if their conduct, progress and attendance is not considered satisfactory.

Authorised Absence

Absences can be authorised providing:

The Absence Reporting Procedure has been followed
The reason for the absence is appropriate
Documentation has been submitted (if required)

Levels and patterns of authorised absence will be monitored by the students PDA / Funding Team.

Any absence that is not considered a valid authorised absence will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. Examples of absences which will not be authorised are driving lessons, holidays (including pre-booked holidays) and work. If a student is absent for a reason which he/she/they feels is justified, including a family emergency, the student should email their PDA to provide further information.