How to Get a Sick Note for a University of Saskatchewan Exam Deferral
Missing an exam due to illness is stressful enough without navigating USask's bureaucracy. Here's everything you need to know about getting proper medical documentation for an exam deferral at the University of Saskatchewan.
USask's Exam Deferral Policy (2025–2026)
The University of Saskatchewan allows students to defer final exams and midterms due to illness, but the process has specific requirements:
For Final Exams:
- You must submit a Request for Deferred Examination through PAWS (your student portal)
- Medical documentation must be submitted within 3 business days of the missed exam
- The documentation must cover the date of the exam specifically
- Deferred exams are typically scheduled during the next deferred exam period
For Midterms:
- Policies vary by college and instructor
- Most professors require documentation within 48–72 hours
- Some colleges (Arts & Science, Edwards School of Business) have standardized forms
- Contact your professor AND your college's academic advising office
What Medical Documentation Does USask Accept?
USask requires documentation that includes:
1. Date of the medical visit — Must be on or near the date of the missed exam
2. Confirmation of illness — The physician confirms you were too ill to write
3. Dates of incapacity — Specific dates you were unable to attend
4. Physician's name and credentials — Must be a licensed physician (MD)
5. Physician's signature — Electronic signatures are accepted
6. Registration number — CPSS registration number for Saskatchewan physicians
What USask does NOT require:
- Specific diagnosis (your privacy is protected)
- Detailed description of symptoms
- Hospital admission records
The Timing Problem for Students
Here's the challenge most USask students face: you get sick during finals week (December or April), which is exactly when:
- Student Health Centre is at maximum capacity (2–3 hour waits)
- Walk-in clinics in the University area are overwhelmed with students
- Your family doctor (if you have one) may be booked 3–5 days out
- You need documentation within 3 business days
This timing crunch is why many students end up without proper documentation and lose their deferral opportunity.
Getting a Sick Note Online for USask Exam Deferral
MedLetter provides medical documentation that meets USask's requirements:
What's included:
- Date of consultation
- Confirmation of illness preventing exam attendance
- Specific dates of incapacity
- Physician name, CPSS registration number, and signature
- Official medical letterhead
Process:
1. Complete the online form (5 minutes) — specify that you need documentation for a university exam deferral
2. A CPSS-registered physician reviews your submission
3. If clinically appropriate, your documentation is emailed same-day
4. Submit to USask through PAWS or your college office
Cost: $49 (compared to $0 at Student Health Centre, but saving you 2–3 hours of wait time during the most stressful week of the semester)
College-Specific Requirements at USask
Different USask colleges have slightly different processes:
College of Arts & Science:
- Use the online absence reporting system
- Documentation uploaded through PAWS
- Academic advising: arts.science@usask.ca
Edwards School of Business:
- Submit to the Undergraduate Programs Office
- Stricter deadlines (48 hours for midterms)
- May require the Edwards-specific medical form
College of Engineering:
- Submit to your department's undergraduate chair
- Documentation must specifically mention inability to write exams
- Engineering Student Centre can advise: 306-966-5273
College of Nursing:
- Clinical absences have different requirements than exam deferrals
- Contact the Nursing Student Services office
- May require clearance documentation for return to clinical placements
Common Mistakes That Get Deferrals Denied
1. Submitting documentation late — The 3-business-day deadline is firm
2. Documentation dated after the exam — Your medical visit should be on or before the exam date
3. Using Telehealth 811 — They provide health advice, not medical documentation
4. Vague documentation — Must specifically reference inability to attend/write
5. Not submitting through the correct channel — PAWS for finals, college office for midterms
What If You're Sick But Haven't Seen a Doctor Yet?
If you wake up sick on exam day:
1. Don't write the exam if you're genuinely ill — A poor grade is harder to fix than a deferral
2. Get documentation as soon as possible — Same day is ideal
3. Email your professor immediately — Even before you have documentation, notify them
4. Submit your deferral request through PAWS — Don't wait for the documentation to start the process
5. Get your sick note within 3 business days — MedLetter can provide same-day documentation
University of Regina Students
If you're at the University of Regina instead of USask, the process is similar but uses different forms:
- Submit through UR Self-Service
- Documentation deadline is also typically 3 business days
- Contact the Registrar's Office: 306-585-4111
Key Takeaway
USask exam deferrals require specific medical documentation submitted within 3 business days. During finals week, when every student in Saskatoon is competing for clinic appointments, getting documentation online saves critical time. MedLetter provides USask-compliant medical documentation same-day from CPSS-registered physicians — so you can focus on recovering and preparing for your deferred exam instead of sitting in a waiting room.