Exam Deferral Sick Notes for UNB and St. Thomas University Students
Exam season in Fredericton means every walk-in clinic is packed with students. Here's how to get the documentation you need for a UNB or STU exam deferral without losing half a day.
UNB's Deferred Examination Policy
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton and Saint John campuses):
- Submit a "Request for Deferred Examination" through your faculty office
- Medical documentation must be submitted within 3 business days of the missed exam
- Documentation must be dated on or before the exam date
- Deferred exams are typically scheduled during the next deferred exam period (usually 2–3 weeks after finals)
Faculty-specific contacts:
- Arts: arts@unb.ca
- Science: science@unb.ca
- Engineering: engineering@unb.ca
- Business (Faculty of Management): management@unb.ca
- Computer Science: cs@unb.ca
- Nursing: nursing@unb.ca
- Kinesiology: kin@unb.ca
UNB Saint John campus:
- Same general policy as Fredericton
- Submit through the Saint John Registrar's Office
- Contact: registrar-sj@unb.ca
St. Thomas University's Policy
St. Thomas University:
- Submit documentation to the Registrar's Office
- Deadline: 48 hours after the missed exam
- Must include dates of incapacity and physician credentials
- Contact: registrar@stu.ca or 506-452-0532
What Documentation Is Required?
Both UNB and STU require:
✅ Must include:
- Date of medical consultation
- Confirmation of inability to write the exam
- Specific dates of incapacity (must cover the exam date)
- Physician's name, credentials, and signature
- CPSNB registration number (for NB physicians)
❌ Not required:
- Specific diagnosis
- Symptom details
- Treatment information
The Fredericton Exam-Season Problem
During December and April finals:
- UNB Student Health Centre: 2–3 hour waits, often at capacity
- STU Health Services: Limited hours, frequently fully booked
- Fredericton walk-in clinics: Overwhelmed with student demand (3+ hour waits)
- Family doctors: Booked 3–5 days out (past the deadline)
The 3-day (UNB) or 48-hour (STU) deadline means you can't wait until after exams to get documentation.
Getting Documentation Online
MedLetter provides documentation meeting UNB/STU requirements:
- Date of consultation (same day)
- Confirmation of medical inability to attend exam
- Specific dates of incapacity
- CPSNB-registered physician credentials and signature
- Available in English or French
- Cost: $49 | Turnaround: Same day
Midterm Deferrals
For midterms at UNB or STU:
- Contact your professor directly (email before the exam if possible)
- Provide documentation within 48 hours
- Professor determines makeup format (rewrite, reweight, or alternative)
- If professor is unresponsive, escalate to your department chair
Université de Moncton Students
If you're at U de M rather than UNB/STU:
- Submit through the Bureau du registraire
- Documentation accepted in French or English
- Deadline: 48 hours
- Contact: registraire@umoncton.ca
Common Mistakes
1. Missing the deadline — 3 days (UNB) or 48 hours (STU) is firm
2. Documentation dated after the exam — Must be on or before exam day
3. Using Tele-Care 811 — They provide advice, not documentation
4. Not notifying your professor — Always email them immediately, even before you have documentation
5. Assuming one note covers multiple exams — If you miss multiple exams, ensure your documentation covers all dates
Key Takeaway
UNB and STU exam deferrals have tight deadlines (48–72 hours) that coincide with the busiest time for Fredericton's clinics. Online documentation from a CPSNB-registered physician provides same-day delivery in English or French — ensuring you meet your deadline without spending half a day in a waiting room during the most stressful week of the semester.