Absence From Campus Request
Students are required to submit an Absence From Campus (AFC) Request in their Student Portal each time they would like to leave campus in any of the following circumstances:
- Overnight (Please note that students are not permitted to return to the residence halls after building curfew. In those circumstances an overnight AFC would be required.)
- In a private vehicle (i.e., a vehicle not affiliated with Pre-College Programs)
Absence From Campus Procedure:
- The appropriate AFC Request must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours in advance of a student’s planned departure. AFC Requests received after 11pm will not be considered until the following day.
- Once the request has been received and reviewed, a residential staff member will contact the student’s parent/guardian by telephone to verify the proposed absence. If the student’s parent/guardian is not reachable, the absence will not be approved.
- Upon verification of the absence, the student and parent/guardian will be notified by email that the absence request has been approved.
Absence From Campus Policies:
- In the event of an emergency or for any AFC Request submitted less than 48 hours in advance, verification and approval by the Assistant Director for Pre-College Student Affairs will be required. We cannot guarantee that late requests will be approved.
- This request may not be used as a method to be late for curfew. Students may not enter or exit the residential buildings during curfew hours. There are no exceptions to this policy.
- The supervising adult listed on the AFC Request must be someone who is at least 21 years or older and has been authorized by the student's parent/guardian.
- If a student's parent/guardian does not answer or return the verification call from our residential staff or does not approve the absence, the request will be denied.
- If a student has a medical emergency during curfew hours, the Pre-College staff will accompany them to the appropriate medical facility and an AFC Request is not required.
If an AFC Request will necessitate missing class, approval must be obtained from the student’s academic director before submitting the request. If the AFC request is subsequently approved, it is solely the student’s responsibility to contact their academic director and instructors to coordinate the completion of any work that will be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I submit an AFC Request?
Requests should be submitted at least 48 hours prior to leaving campus. This gives our staff ample opportunity to review the requests, reach out to parents/guardians, make any approvals or rejections, and send confirmations. Please Note: Any requests that are submitted late and are not an emergency situation may not be approved.
Can I tell my RA/CA or teacher that I will be absent, but not submit an AFC Request?
No. All students are required to submit an AFC Request to ensure their safety and that all proper parties know that they will not be on campus. Any student that leaves campus without submitting an AFC Request and/or without having an AFC Request approved will be subject to disciplinary action.
Students are responsible for contacting their teachers and academic directors, and completing any missed work.
Can my parents/guardians call the school instead of me submitting an AFC Request?
No. We need a completed AFC Request in order to approve the absence. Parents/guardians will be called to confirm the request for the absence.
My parents are coming for a weekend. Do I need an AFC Request to leave campus with them overnight?
Yes, if the absence will be overnight or involve traveling in a private vehicle. The need for advanced permission applies to anyone (including the student’s parents/guardians and other family members) who will accompany the student off-campus or who will transport the student in a private vehicle. This is our only way to keep track of which students to expect on campus and at curfew check-ins.
Can someone other than my parents/guardians approve my AFC Request?
No. Only parents/guardians who are legally responsible for the student and are listed on the Emergency Contacts enrollment form can approve an AFC Request.
Who should I follow up with on my AFC Request?
If a student has not received a confirmation on their AFC Request, they should reach out to their dorm's Community Advisor (CA) for further information and/or instruction.
If I need to leave campus in a private vehicle on a regular basis (e.g., weekly doctor appointment), do I need to submit the AFC Request every time?
Yes. A separate AFC Request is required for each absence when riding in a private vehicle. Blanket permission requests are not acceptable. In these circumstances, please contact the office of Pre College Student Affairs (pclife@andrew.cmu.edu) directly.
A family member of mine lives in Pittsburgh. Do I need an AFC Request if they are driving me somewhere (e.g., doctor's appointment, dinner)?
Yes. An AFC Request is required every time a student will be riding in a private vehicle, including with family members.
Someone under 21 is driving through Pittsburgh. Can they pick me up to go off-campus?
No. The person who accompanies the student off-campus or transports the student in a private vehicle must be a responsible adult at least 21 years old.