UNIVERSITY POLICY
Date Revised: May 2024
Date Effective: July 12, 2024
Responsible University Official(s): Provost
Policy Owner: Dean of Students
Policy Contact: Dean of Students Office
REASON FOR POLICY
UW-Platteville is committed to providing support and understanding to students who experience the loss of a family member during an academic term. Grief impacts every student differently, and this policy is not an attempt to quantify the impact a death might have or to in any way address the nature of the grieving process. Rather, the purpose of this policy is to provide students with the time to attend bereavement services, as well as the opportunity to be with loved ones during times of death and grief.
SCOPE
This policy outlines the circumstances a student would be eligible for bereavement leave.
DEFINITIONS
Bereavement
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important to us. It's characterized by grief, which is the process and the range of emotions we go through when we experience a loss.
Days
No less than three and no more than 10 calendar days.
Family member
Partners/spouses, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings. However, UW-Platteville recognizes that the concept of family is different for everyone. Students are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students office if they have extenuating circumstances.
Incomplete
Students must submit a Course Completion Contract to obtain permission for an incomplete. An incomplete is used when an instructor allows additional time to complete coursework beyond the end of the term. If a student begins the academic term on Final Probation or were reinstated by the Admissions and Academic Appeals Committee within the past year, the student must obtain approval from the Assistant or Associate Dean of their college before an incomplete grade is assigned.
Late course drop
Students who do not drop a course by the deadlines published on the Academic Calendar must either complete the course satisfactorily or receive the grade “F.” Late drops will be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances and only with the consent of the instructor and the dean of the college.
Term withdrawal
Term withdrawal refers to withdrawal from all classes for the term/semester.
POLICY STATEMENT
In the event of a death of a family member (including partners/spouses, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings), [1] students will be eligible for a bereavement leave. This leave will be approved at no less than three and no more than ten calendar days.
In applying these guidelines, students are strongly encouraged to use their judgment about the time they need and can afford to take given their academic responsibilities and goals. Similarly, students should use their discretion about the need to take more extended time through mechanisms such as late course drops and term withdrawals.
[1] UW-Platteville recognizes that the concept of family is different for everyone. Students are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students office if they have extenuating circumstances.
PROCEDURES
Students requiring bereavement leave should collaborate with the Dean of Students office to complete the Bereavement Absence Request form. The Dean of Students office will notify the student, their instructors, and their academic advisor(s).
It is the responsibility of the student to work with their instructors regarding syllabus requirements and make-up work.
If a student follows the process, missing a class due to bereavement will not be counted as an absence. If graded work (such as tests, quizzes, presentations, participation, and laboratories) is missed, the instructor will provide the student an opportunity to make up the missed work or revise grading procedures so that the day(s) missed do not impact the student’s grade. Instructors shall acknowledge that these absences occur outside the control of a student and that students should not be punished academically for them.
Students shall acknowledge that they remain responsible for making up missed work and completing course requirements and learning objectives. Student concerns regarding the implementation of this policy should follow the Student Complaint Process managed by the Dean of Students office.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Position/Office: Provost 608.342.1261
Responsibilities: As chief academic officer, the Provost will oversee student complaints related to noncompliance with this policy.
Position/Office: Dean of Students 608.342.1854
Responsibilities The Dean of Students office will review the Bereavement Absence Request form and notify the student, their instructors, and their academic advisor(s) of student’s absence and dates.
CONTACTS
Those designated to receive questions and feedback on the policy.
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Subject
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Contact
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Phone
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Fax/Email
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Primary Contact
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Kari Hill
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608.342.1854
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hillkar@uwplatt.edu
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Contact
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Dr. Laura Reynolds
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608.342.1261
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reynoldsla@uwplatt.edu
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HISTORY
No history.
SCHEDULED REVIEW
August 2027