I sometimes send this page as a quick reply when students contact me about being absent from any of my classes. I appreciate your concern about keeping up. Here are two things you should always do:

1. Check the syllabus for absence policies and guidelines. Typically I instruct students to check with classmates about material they will miss, but the syllabus might contain other relevant instructions too.
2. Determine from the course schedule whether you're missing an activity that you're required to participate in. If you are, state it directly and clearly in an email to me. Briefly include the reason why you're missing it. Depending on the reason, I might be able to provide a make-up activity.

If participation is part of your class grade (check the syllabus), there's no alternative way to earn points from a missed participation activity, but I grade participation using a system that permits you to miss several opportunities without losing points.

Some instructors ignore unnecessary emails about absences, but I felt bad doing that, so I created this page to send instead. Replying with this page also avoids the possibility of students misunderstanding their responsibilities in my classes.

Unless you have further questions or concerns, there's no need to reply to the email I sent you containing this link.