Can I get extra time or a makeup exam with mono?

Who to ask, in order

• Your professor or TA: email them as soon as you know you will miss class or an exam.
• Student health: they can confirm the diagnosis and often provide a note.
• Dean of students or academic advising: many schools have a formal process for medical absences across all your classes at once.
• Disability or accessibility services: if mono leaves you with long-lasting fatigue, ask whether longer-term accommodations apply.

What to bring

• A note from a clinician with the dates you were sick
• The dates of the exams or assignments you missed
• A short list of your classes so you can ask for all of them at once
• Your school's medical absence form if there is one

You usually do not need to share your full diagnosis with professors. A note that says you were medically unable to attend, with dates, is often enough, but check your school's policy.

A short email you can adapt

"Hi Professor [Name], I have been diagnosed with a medical illness and was told to rest through [date]. I will miss the [exam / assignment] on [date]. I have a note from student health. Could we set up a makeup or extension? I can send the note right away. Thank you."

Common options schools offer

• Makeup exam on a later date
• Extension on papers and problem sets
• Incomplete grade, finished next term
• Reduced course load or medical withdrawal in severe cases
• Recorded lectures or notes from a classmate

Ask for what helps you, and ask early. Many professors are flexible when they hear before the exam, not after.

Protect your recovery

Mono fatigue can last longer than the fever. Pushing to take an exam at your worst tends to backfire on both your grade and your recovery time. Rest comes first. Notes on your side: a spleen that is enlarged also means no heavy lifting or contact sports for a few weeks. See sports after mono.

When to see someone

• Fever that returns
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Pain in the upper left belly (911 or ER)
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Tiredness still heavy after 6 to 8 weeks

If you are not sure whether it is mono, strep or something else, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.

Common questions from students

Do I have to tell my professor I have mono? You usually only need to say you have a medical illness and share the dates. Check your school's policy on what to disclose.

What if my professor says no? Go up a level: your department, the dean of students or academic advising. Many schools require flexibility for documented medical absences.

Can I drop a class or take a medical withdrawal? Often, yes, but there are deadlines and sometimes tuition and financial aid effects. Talk to your advisor and financial aid before you decide.

How long is a typical absence? Many students are out of class for a week or two and run low on energy for several more. Tell your professors early, and give them a return date you can keep.

Can I ask for accommodations if I am still tired weeks later? Yes. Ask student health to document it and ask your school's accessibility office about shorter-term accommodations like extended time or a lighter schedule.

Does it matter if I am sick during finals? Finals often have their own formal process, such as a petition to reschedule. Ask your dean's office right away, because deadlines can be short.

Can I get a note without paying? Many student health centers include visits in student fees. Check yours.

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