New verification of illness process

If you're a graduate student experiencing a short-term illness that affects your ability to meet course requirements, such as submitting an assignment or writing an exam, you may be eligible for academic accommodation through the Verification of Illness Form (VIF) process. 

You should seek medical treatment for missing an academic obligation to support your request for academic consideration due to illness. 

There are two ways to submit a VIF: 

• On campus: Visit the University of Waterloo Student Medical Clinic. A practitioner will complete and submit the VIF directly to the university's Absence Database on your behalf. 

• Off campus: Bring the University of Waterloo VIF (PDF) to your off-campus healthcare provider. After completion, upload it to the Absence Database. 

Regardless of the method, you must contact your course instructor promptly to discuss possible accommodations. Approval is at their discretion and not guaranteed by submitting a VIF. 

Visit the Accommodations web page for full details about the new VIF process as well as information on non-illness absences, leaves of absence, and accessibility supports.