How to Professionally Email Your Professor When You Miss Class: A Student Communication Checklist

Hey there EduMagicians,

Let’s face it, sometimes you have to miss class. Whether it’s due to illness, an emergency, or something unexpected, it happens. But how you handle it makes all the difference. In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, we explored how to email your professor when you miss class and how to do it professionally and respectfully.

Instead of sending a vague message like “Did I miss anything?”, use this checklist to show initiative, responsibility, and professionalism in your communication.

Student Checklist: How to Professionally Email Your Professor When You Miss Class

Use this student communication checklist to guide your email when you’re absent:

1. Review the syllabus

   • Check the attendance and late work policies.

   • Note how many classes you’ve missed so far.

2. Start your email with a respectful greeting

   • Use “Dear Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name]” based on how they’re listed in the syllabus.

3. State your absence

   • Example: “Unfortunately, I have to miss class today. I’ve reviewed the syllabus and am following the attendance policy.”

4. Acknowledge what was covered

   • Reference the topic and any activities listed in the course schedule.

5. Mention assignments

   • Share whether you submitted work due that day and acknowledge the late policy if needed.

6. Take initiative

   • Let your professor know you’re connecting with a peer for notes.

   • Check the LMS (Brightspace, Schoology, D2L, etc.) for posted materials.

7. Request support if needed

   • Ask to meet during office hours and suggest a time.

Why Professional Email Communication Matters for Students

Using this checklist shows your professor that you care about your learning and respect their time. You’re not just asking, “What did I miss?” You’re showing up with a plan and taking ownership of your education.

Student Email Template: How to Email Your Professor When You Miss Class

Subject Line: Absent for class (class name) (date)

Dear [Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to let you know that I will be missing/missed] class on [insert date] due to (brief reason, e.g., illness, emergency, etc. You can share this information or not - it's up to you.)

I have reviewed the syllabus and understand the attendance policy, which states: “[insert attendance policy detail].” This is my [first/second/third] absence in your course this semester, and I want to make sure that I stay on track.

According to the course schedule, I see that we covered [insert topic] and completed [insert activity]. I have [submitted / not yet submitted] the assignment due on that day and am aware of the late work policy outlined in the syllabus.

I plan to connect with a peer to review notes and will check the LMS for any posted materials, such as presentations or handouts. If possible, I’d like to meet during your office hours on [insert date/time] to clarify any questions.

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Course Name and Section]

[Your Student Email Signature]

Full Episode Transcript

Hello EduMagicians, and welcome back to another episode of the EduMagic Podcast. My name is Dr. Sam Fecich. First of all, if you need to miss class, take a breath. It's okay. Next, let's take some action steps so you can be successful when contacting your professor about missing class.

This is what you don't want to do: you don't want to contact your professor and say, "I missed class. What did I miss?" or "Did I miss anything?" If you were one of my students and sent something like that to me, I would email back, "You know what? We waited for you, so we didn’t have class," or some sort of sarcastic comment.

Let’s talk about ways to be respectful, responsible, and professional in your email communication to a professor or teacher when you miss class. First, check the syllabus regarding the attendance policy. For some professors, it might be email. For others, it might be an attendance form. Look to see if this is your first, second, or third missed class. That’s important because you’ll want to convey that information in the email.

After reviewing the attendance policy and identifying how many classes you’ve missed, open your school email and start writing. Don’t put the professor’s name in yet. Begin with “Dear Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx.”—whatever they go by. You can find that information in the syllabus. It should list the professor’s name.

Write: “Unfortunately, I have to miss class,” or “I missed class today.” Then say, “I looked over the syllabus and saw [insert attendance policy], and I’m following up on that policy.” Mention, “This is my first, second, or third miss of the semester in your course, and I want to make sure I don’t fall behind.”

Next, look at the syllabus under the schedule or course outline to see what was covered that day or week. In your email, say, “I saw that we covered [topic] and completed [activity].” This shows you’ve looked at the syllabus and know what was done in class.

Then, identify if any coursework needs to be turned in before class. Share whether you turned it in or not if you didn’t, explain why. You can say, “I still need to submit the assignment for today. I am aware of the late policy for the course.” Review the late policy in the syllabus as well.

Next, say, “I’m going to check in with a peer and get notes from class.” Ask a peer, “Can you please share the notes with me from today?” Also, check the course LMS—maybe Brightspace, Schoology, D2L, or another platform. Look to see if your professor posted any content, such as a presentation, PDF, or handout.

In your email, include: “This is my [first/second/third] miss. I saw that we covered [topic] and did [activity]. I’m meeting with a peer to get notes and checking the LMS for posted content.” If you have questions, ask: “Can I please meet with you during office hours?” and suggest a time and date.

By covering all these bases, you’re showing your professor that you know the attendance policy, reviewed the syllabus, are getting notes from a peer, submitted or plan to submit your assignment, and checked the LMS for missed materials. You’re taking initiative and being professional in your communication. You’re informing yourself first, and if you still have questions, you’re asking to meet during office hours.

This is a great professional way to say, “I missed class,” without asking, “What did I miss?” To get a copy of the fill-in-the-blank email template, head to the show notes.

Next time you miss class, don’t be that student who emails, “What did I miss?” Be a professional, responsible person.

Have a great day, and remember you have the EduMagic within you. Bye for now.

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.

Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom!

Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways.

Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.