Student Care and Outreach assists and connects thousands students with resources across a variety of contexts. While we treat each student and situation as unique, the themes involved are often similar. Below, we have compiled the most common scenarios we encounter and some appropriate starting places for student and parents, especially for concerns that fall outside of our Scope of Care or are better addressed by other campus partners.

Still need assistance? For significant concerns, share a concern now.

Resources for students

I'm having trouble connecting with others...

I'm falling behind in my classes...

  • Attend class and ask for help
    • If you’ve been missing class, now is the time to attend. Show up, whether you know the material or not.
    • Email your professor to ask for a meeting, drop by during office hours, or stay after class to talk to your professor. Refer to the How to Talk to Faculty section below for tips and sample emails. Explain what’s going on and talk about your goals. Ask for assistance and options, but do not assume anything. Ask for an honest assessment of your chances for success.
  • Start using a tutor
    • Elon Learning Assistance has tutoring available to help with study skills, can review your calendar, and assist you to prepare for tests and projects.
  • Talk to your advisor
    • They can provide advice on whether to remain in the class and what other support might be useful.
  • Register with Disability Resources (if applicable)
    • Accommodations are designed to provide equitable opportunities for students with recognized disabilities. Register as early as you can and use the accommodations provided. Your disability diagnosis remains confidential and is not shared with faculty.

My mental health is getting in the way...

How to talk to faculty

Talking with Faculty

Talking with your faculty is one of the best and most effective ways to feel engaged at Elon and ensure you are doing well in each of your classes. But many students feel nervous about approaching faculty with some of the concerns they may be experiencing. Below, we’ve provided some basic tips for communicating with faculty about a range of topics along with some sample emails that can help get the ball rolling.

General Tips
  • Most faculty would prefer to talk to you in person. If you can, try to stop them after class to chat. If you reach out over email, include an invitation to connect after class or during their office hours – see below for samples.
  • If you know that you are going to miss class, let your professor know beforehand. See below for suggestions when you have already missed class(es).
  • You may want to refer to the situation discreetly: terms and phrases like “medical reasons,” “unexpected personal/family situation,” or “on-going health needs” can give your professor a general sense of the issue without you having to go into detail. However, also recognize that faculty are more likely to want to help if they have more detail.
  • As you talk with faculty, ask if they will work with you to create a plan to keep up with course reading and assignments. Keep the plan as concrete as possible – with specific dates and deadlines. Always keep your promises or communicate ahead of time if you cannot meet a deadline. This breeds trust – not just for you, but for other students making similar requests.
  • Don’t stop communicating: Regularly update your professor. Don’t go into hiding if you can’t meet extended deadlines; keep the channels of communication open so that you can adjust your plan in consult with your professor.

Sample Email/Conversation Starters

Asking for Help With Class

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I wanted to see if we could connect soon to discuss how I’m doing in your class and any new steps I can be taking. Based on our last (test, assignment), I’m a little concerned and want to make sure I’m using all of my resources. Do you have some time when we can connect? If you prefer, I can stay after class or catch you during office hours.

Thanks,
(your name)

Keep in Mind

Elon has excellent academic resources, including Learning Assistance for options related to tutoring and study skills.

Upcoming Absence (single class)

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to attend your class (name) on (day) because of (“an unexpected family crisis” / “on-going health issues”, etc.). My plan is to work with a classmate to get the material but I wanted to reach out to you just in case there is anything special that I might miss. I’m happy to meet if needed. I’m sorry to miss class; I know how important it is to be present whenever possible.

Thank you,
(your name)

Keep in Mind
  • You are still responsible for work that is due on the day that you will miss – make sure you get it turned in or that you have communicated with your faculty otherwise.
  • Don’t assume you will be able to make up missed work. You may get a lower grade for participation, or have your final grade lowered based on absences. Don’t assume your absence will be excused even if the professor accepts your excuse. Consult the course syllabus for the course absence policy.
  • Don’t expect your professor to teach you the material individually – they get many such requests and can’t meet with every student. Instead, talk to a classmate and use office hours with your faculty member to clarify concepts.

Past Absence (single class)

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I wanted to quickly apologize for missing class today. I had hoped to email you beforehand but was unable to do so. I’ll be in our next class and can share more details then. My plan is to connect with a classmate to get the material but I wanted to reach out to you just in case there is anything special that I might have missed. Obviously, I understand that I might not be able to make up some of the work but also like to meet if that’s the case to explain the situation further.

I apologize again. I look forward to our next class.

Thank you,
(your name)

Keep in Mind

While life happens and sometimes things come up with little to no warning, make every effort to notify your instructors in advance if you will be missing class(es).

Past Absences (extended)

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I’m writing with my sincere apologies for having missed so many classes over the past [time frame]. I know how important it is to be in class, and that I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities. Over the past [time frame], I’ve been dealing with (“some extended health issues”, “some difficult family issues”) that have prevented me from being fully present at Elon or in my classes. My plan is to begin attending again starting with our next class.

If you agree, I’d like to share more detail and ask for your advice on the best path forward. My sincere hope is that I can make up some or all of the work I have missed although I recognize that doing so may be difficult. Is there a time when we can connect soon?

Thank you,
(your name)

Keep in Mind
  • Be open to the idea that you might have missed too much work to complete the class successfully and that you might be better off taking a course withdrawal (W). Always speak with your academic advisor should you need to consider this option.
  • Remember that the professor will try to maintain fairness between your situation and others in the class, so don’t automatically expect that they will bend policies for you.
  • Often, making up past work gets in the way of future learning; consider this as you decide whether or not to stay in the class.

Deadline Extension (upcoming)

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I’m worried that I’m not going to be able to turn in (assignment) that is due on (day) because (reason). With your permission, I’d like to see if I could turn it in on (day) by (time) at the latest. I understand this might mean that I get some points taken off. I’m happy to chat with you about the circumstances involved and will be in our next class to check in. If I don’t hear from you, I will turn in what I have but will try to talk to you after class.

Thank you,
(your name)

Keep in Mind
  • Be honest and don’t lie or create excuses. Taking accountability matters.
  • Always include a specific date when you will complete the work. Do everything you can to keep your promise and finish the work by the extended deadline.
  • Be prepared to accept a lower grade because you were late and don’t assume you will get full credit. It would be unfair to other students. Check your course syllabus for any policies on late assignments.
  • If the instructor doesn’t respond, turn in what you have and talk to them after class to see if you can extend your work further.

Missed Test or Assignment

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I’m writing with my sincere apologies for having (“missed our test”, “not turned in my assignment”) today. I realize this is a big mistake and that I should have communicated with you beforehand. The reason I (“missed”, “did not turn it in”) is because (reason).

Would it be possible to meet soon and discuss what happened? I would really like to explain further and talk about any chance I might have to make up the (test, assignment)? I recognize that I would not be able to get full points, if that’s what you determine is fair to the rest of the class.

Again, I truly apologize for missing today’s (test, assignment).

Thank you,
(your name)

Keep in Mind
  • Be honest and don’t lie or create excuses. Taking accountability matters.
  • Be prepared to accept a lower grade; also be prepared that you might not be able to make up this grade.
  • If the professor does not respond, plan to talk to them after class or attend office hours before the next class.

Resources for students and families

Academic Resources

Medical Needs

  • Student Health Services at Elon
  • Elon Virtual Health Appointments through TimelyCare
  • Cone Health Virtual Visits
  • Class Absence Notification (only for 5 or more absences in a row from all classes)
  • Temporary Mobility Issues
    • Health Services Vehicle | (336) 273-7200
      The Office of the Dean of Students offers free rides to assist students to get to their appointments at the Student Health Center in the Ellington Center. The vehicle is available 8:30am – 4:00pm, Monday-Thursday and 8:30am – 3:00pm, Friday. Students must call at least one hour in advance to request pick up and inform the office of the pick up location at the nearest university parking lot. The primary purpose of the vehicle is to transport students to and from health and counseling services. The vehicle must pick up and drop off students on university property.
    • Handicap Parking Permits | (336) 278-5555
      Students may obtain a temporary university handicap parking permit from Campus Safety and Police (336-278-5555). To begin, a student must get authorization from Disabilities Resources. Students must possess or purchase the standard parking permit for their residential area or commuter pass. The handicap parking permit is valid for on-campus parking only.
    • Wheelchair (or other mobility device) Rental | (336) 222-8052
      Clover Medical Supply (not affiliated with Elon University) provides rentals of various types of mobility devices and can deliver equipment to you. Call for current rates for equipment. Clover Medical Supply may be able to assist with filing an insurance claim for the cost of equipment rental.
    • Housing Relocation | (336) 278-7300
      Contact the Office of Residence Life (336-278-7300) or your Residential Area Office for a list of open spaces in buildings closest to the student’s classes or with more convenient access (first-floor room, residence hall with elevator, etc.). Temporary housing reassignments are usually not available due to limited space. Any change in housing may be permanent for the remainder of the academic year.
    • Class Relocation | (336) 278-6568
      Contact Disabilities Resources to discuss possible arrangements to have class(es) moved to accessible classrooms.

Mental Health Needs

Getting Involved and Staying Connected

Identity-Based Resources

Asian and Pacific Islander Identities
Black and African American Identities
First Generation Identities
LatinX Identity
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) Identities
Native American and Indigenous Identities
Religious and Spiritual Identities

Financial Needs