How To Email A Professor About Missing Class

25-01-2025

Sometimes, life happens, and you may miss class due to sickness, a personal issue, or something else you can’t control. When this happens, it’s important to email your professor to let them know. 

A polite and clear email can show your professor that you’re responsible and that you care about your studies.

Here’s how to write a simple and respectful email to your professor when you miss class.

Simple Steps to Write a Good Email

Use Your School Email: Always email from your school email address. It looks professional and makes sure your professor knows it's you.

Write a Clear Subject Line: The subject line should be clear and easy to understand. Examples:

  • "Missed Class on [Date]"

  • "Absence on [Date] – [Your Name]"

Start with a Greeting: Start your email with a respectful greeting like:

  • "Dear Professor [Last Name],"

Explain Why You Missed Class: Keep your explanation simple. You don’t need to go into too much detail. For example:

  • "I missed class because I wasn’t feeling well."

  • "I had a personal emergency that I needed to take care of."

Being honest and brief is enough.

Ask for Help to Catch Up: Professors want to know you plan to stay up-to-date. Ask for any class notes or assignments you missed:

  • "Could you let me know if I missed any important work or assignments?"

  • "Is there anything specific I should focus on to catch up?"

Offer to Meet if Needed: If you feel you need extra help, offer to meet during office hours:

  • "If you’re available during office hours, I’d love to come by and catch up."

Thank Them: Always end your email by thanking your professor for their time and help:

  • "Thank you for your understanding."

  • "I appreciate your help!"

Close the Email: End your email with a polite closing:

  • "Sincerely,"

  • "Best regards,"

  • "Thank you,"

Then, include your name and student ID.

Example Email Template

Subject: Missed Class on [Date] – [Your Name]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that I missed class on [Date] because [reason, e.g., I was feeling ill, I had a personal emergency]. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.

Could you please let me know if I missed any important assignments or materials? I want to make sure I stay on track.

Thank you so much for your help!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final Tips

Writing a simple email when you miss class shows that you are serious about your studies. It’s a great way to stay uptodate and keep a good relation with your professor. Just keep it short and respectful, and your professor will appreciate it!