Calgary Student Sick Note Guide: U of C, MRU, SAIT & Bow Valley
Calgary student needing a sick note for a missed exam or assignment? Here's what each Calgary institution requires and how to get documentation fast.
## Calgary Student Sick Note Guide: Every Institution Covered
Missed an exam or deadline due to illness? Each Calgary post-secondary institution has different documentation requirements. Here's your complete guide.
### University of Calgary
**Policy:** U of C uses a **Student Declaration of Absence** for short absences (up to 3 days). For longer absences or final exams, you need a **medical note from a physician**.
**Key details:**
- Self-declaration covers absences up to 3 consecutive days
- Medical note required for absences longer than 3 days
- Medical note required for missed final exams (always)
- Submit through your faculty's Student Success Centre
- Deadline: Usually within 2 business days of the missed assessment
**What the note must include:**
- Confirmation of medical condition (not diagnosis)
- Dates of incapacity
- Physician's signature and registration number
- Statement that you were unable to attend/complete academic work
**Where to submit:** Faculty-specific — check your faculty's website or Student Success Centre
### Mount Royal University (MRU)
**Policy:** MRU requires a **medical certificate** for missed exams and major assignments.
**Key details:**
- Medical note required for any missed exam
- For assignments, check your course outline — some professors accept self-declaration for short extensions
- Submit to your professor AND the Registrar's Office
- Deadline: Within 3 days of the missed assessment
**MRU-specific tip:** MRU's Student Wellness Services can sometimes provide documentation, but wait times can be 1-2 weeks. An online note is faster.
### SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
**Policy:** SAIT requires **medical documentation** for missed evaluations.
**Key details:**
- Medical note required for missed exams and labs
- Labs are especially strict — many cannot be rescheduled without documentation
- Submit to your program's Academic Chair
- Deadline: Within 24-48 hours of the missed evaluation (strict!)
**SAIT-specific tip:** SAIT's compressed schedule means missing even one lab can put you behind. Get documentation immediately — don't wait.
### Bow Valley College
**Policy:** Bow Valley requires a **medical note** for absences affecting graded work.
**Key details:**
- Medical note for missed exams
- Attendance-based programs (healthcare, trades) may require notes for any absence
- Submit to your instructor and Student Services
- International students: additional documentation may be needed for visa compliance
### Tips for All Calgary Students
1. **Get your note the same day** you're sick — don't wait until you feel better
2. **Keep copies** of everything you submit
3. **Email your professor** immediately — even before you have the note
4. **Check your course outline** — some professors have specific documentation requirements
5. **Know your deadlines** — late documentation is often rejected
### The Cost Problem for Students
Walk-in clinic: $0-$50 + 2-4 hour wait + transit time
MedLetter: $49 flat fee, delivered to your inbox in hours, available 24/7
For students without a family doctor (most of you), MedLetter is often the fastest and most convenient option — especially during exam season when walk-in clinics are packed with other sick students.
### Academic Integrity Note
Getting a sick note when you're not actually sick is **academic misconduct** and can result in expulsion. Only request documentation for genuine illness.
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