Student Attendance & Award Eligibility Policy

Students are required to remain at the Fair for the entire event, including the awards ceremony, which is expected to conclude at approximately 6 PM for High School and 3:30 PM for Middle School.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences: 

  • Excused Absences: If a student has an extenuating circumstance and needs to leave early, they must request approval by emailing [email protected] no later than 2 days before the fair. Include your teacher on your communication. Approved early dismissals will not be granted before 2 PM, as judging may still be in progress.
  • Unexcused Absences: Students who leave early without prior approval will be marked as having an unexcused absence and will forfeit all awards, for Middle School and High School, including ISEF placement for High School.

Award Eligibility:

  • Attendance at the awards ceremony is mandatory to receive sponsored awards, as these must be accepted on stage. Students who do not attend the award ceremony will forfeit these awards.
  • Students who have an excused absence may still be eligible for placement awards for High School and Middle School and ISEF qualification for High School.
  • Students with an unexcused absence will be ineligible for all awards and ISEF placement for High School.

Team Projects:

If one of your team members is not able to make it to the State Fair, you may still compete, but you will not be eligible for major awards. Please note, YOU MUST EMAIL [email protected] as soon as you know this will be an issue, to inform MSEF.

What if one of my project members is sick?

  • You may still compete, but you will not be eligible for major awards. Please note, YOU MUST EMAIL [email protected] as soon as you know this is an issue, to inform MSEF.
  • In both cases, if you arrive on the morning of the fair without having informed MSEF in advance, you may not be allowed to compete.

If you have any questions or need to request an early dismissal, please email [email protected] by 2 days before the fair.

Remember to include your teacher in any communication with MSEF.

Students should not leave the Fair venue without checking out with a Fair staff or volunteer at the designated exit.