Edmonton Student Sick Note Guide: U of A, MacEwan, NAIT & King's
Edmonton student needing a sick note for a missed exam or assignment? Here's what each Edmonton institution requires and how to get documentation fast.
## Edmonton Student Sick Note Guide: Every Institution Covered
Missed an exam or deadline due to illness? Each Edmonton post-secondary institution has different documentation requirements. Here's your complete guide.
### University of Alberta
**Policy:** U of A uses a **Statutory Declaration** for short absences and requires a **medical note** for deferred exams.
**Key details:**
- Statutory Declaration (self-sworn) covers absences up to 3 days for coursework
- **Medical note required** for all deferred final exams
- Medical note required for absences longer than 5 days
- Submit through Bear Tracks (Deferred Exam application)
- Deadline: Within 2 working days of the missed exam
**What the note must include:**
- Confirmation you were medically unable to write the exam
- Date(s) of incapacity
- Physician's name, signature, and CPSA registration number
- Statement that the condition prevented academic performance
**U of A tip:** During finals (December and April), the Student Accessibility Services office is overwhelmed. Get your note from an external physician to avoid the campus clinic wait.
### MacEwan University
**Policy:** MacEwan requires a **medical certificate** for missed exams and significant assignments.
**Key details:**
- Medical note required for any missed midterm or final exam
- Some professors accept self-declaration for minor assignments (check syllabus)
- Submit to your professor AND the Registrar's Office
- Deadline: Within 3 business days
**MacEwan-specific:** The campus Health Centre has limited hours and long waits during exam season. Plan accordingly.
### NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)
**Policy:** NAIT has **strict attendance requirements** for most programs, especially trades and health sciences.
**Key details:**
- Medical note required for missed exams, labs, and shop time
- Attendance-based programs: documentation may be required for ANY absence
- Submit to your Program Chair or Academic Advisor
- Deadline: Within 24 hours for labs/shop; 48 hours for exams
**NAIT-specific:** Missing shop/lab time in trades programs can delay your entire program. Get documentation immediately — NAIT is strict about this.
### The King's University
**Policy:** King's requires medical documentation for missed exams.
**Key details:**
- Medical note for missed midterms and finals
- Smaller class sizes mean professors often know when you're absent
- Submit directly to your professor and the Registrar
- More personal process than larger institutions
### Concordia University of Edmonton
**Policy:** Similar to other Edmonton institutions.
**Key details:**
- Medical note for missed evaluations
- Submit to Academic Advising
- Deadline: Within 3 days
### NorQuest College
**Policy:** Attendance-focused programs require documentation.
**Key details:**
- Healthcare and trades programs: strict attendance policies
- Medical note for any absence affecting graded work
- International students: additional requirements for visa compliance
### Tips for All Edmonton Students
1. **Get your note the day you're sick** — not after you recover
2. **Email your professor immediately** — even a quick "I'm unwell" email creates a record
3. **Check your syllabus** — some courses have specific documentation requirements
4. **Keep copies** — always save PDFs of submitted documentation
5. **Know your appeal rights** — if a deferred exam is denied, you can appeal
### Exam Season Reality Check
During December and April finals:
- Campus clinics: 2-4 hour waits (if they have appointments at all)
- Walk-in clinics near campus: 3-5 hour waits (everyone else has the same idea)
- MedLetter: No wait, submit online, note delivered in hours
### Academic Integrity Warning
Requesting a sick note when you're not actually sick is **academic misconduct** under all Edmonton institutions' policies. Consequences include:
- Grade of zero on the assessment
- Notation on your transcript
- Suspension or expulsion for repeat offenses