From the Research
The student should contact their school or professor immediately to request a leave of absence or exam deferral due to their family emergency, as this is a legitimate reason for missing an exam and most instructors will be understanding 1. This decision prioritizes the student's mental health and well-being, as well as their ability to care for their family during a health crisis.
- The student should explain the situation clearly, mentioning that they need to be with their mother at the hospital during her illness.
- Most educational institutions have policies for compassionate leave or emergency situations that allow for exam rescheduling.
- The student should provide whatever documentation the school requires, such as a doctor's note or hospital admission papers, to verify the situation.
- The student should not attempt to take the exam while under significant emotional stress, as this could negatively impact their performance, as suggested by studies on social support and mental health 2, 3, 4.
- Taking care of family during a health crisis is important, and educational institutions typically recognize this priority, highlighting the importance of social support in such situations 5.
- The student should follow up in writing (email) after any verbal conversations to ensure there's a record of their request and any arrangements made.