Email: Student Absences (Oct. 30, 2009)

Dear Colleagues:

On August 26, 2009 Senior Vice President John Bennett and I sent an e-mail to all instructional faculty urging you to develop contingency plans to minimize the disruption of classes this fall in the event you or your students are required to be absent because of illness. We asked that your contingency plans take into consideration how you will adjust your policies for students regarding missed classes and/or exams since the CDC has encouraged anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay in their homes, dormitories or residence halls for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever.

It has come to my attention that some instructors are requiring students to bring a note from a doctor to confirm illness when they return to class after an absence. Although I understand the reasoning behind this, I ask that you please consider that many students will not seek medical attention and may manage their illness by staying at home as recommended.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Stephen D. Gottfredson
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Copies:
Dr. Michael Rao
Mr. Don Gehring
Dr. Frank L. Macrina
Ms. Sue Ann Messmer
Dr. Sheldon M. Retchin
Mr. Peter L. Wyeth