Sick Leave Email to Professor: Templates & Academic Etiquette
Communicating an illness to a university instructor requires more formality than a text to a colleague. Professors manage hundreds of students; therefore, your email must be concise, professional, and contain all necessary course identifiers.
The Anatomy of an Academic Sick Leave Email
To ensure your absence is excused, your email should include:
- Clear Subject Line: Include your course code and section.
- Formal Salutation: Use "Dear Professor [LastName]".
- The Impact: State exactly what you are missing (lecture, quiz, or seminar).
Template: Missing a Standard Lecture
Subject: Absence: [Course Code] - [Your Name] - [Date]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am unable to attend today's class for [Course Name] due to a sudden illness.
I plan to review the lecture slides and complete the assigned readings from the syllabus once I am feeling better. If there were any in-class announcements I should be aware of, I will consult with my classmates.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Student ID Number]
Pro Tip: Extension Requests
If your illness interferes with a submission, don't just say you're sick. Ask for a specific extension (e.g., "I am requesting a 48-hour extension") and attach your medical documentation if you have it ready.