Spring Break
Professors comment on H1N1 absences
Jessica Boisclair
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: News
11/5/09 - With the rising concern of the H1N1 virus, University of Rhode Island students have been advised to stay away from others when they develop flu-like symptoms.
At the start of the semester Health Services sent out letters to teachers and students urging them to stay home or in their dorms if they feel ill. The letters also stated that students will no longer need a doctor's note or explanation for their absence from class. This policy ensures that students focus on getting better, and do not to spread the virus around campus.
"Attendance this semester has been lower than usual, but the student's in all my classes have actually been good about letting me know," said Mary Hollinshead, professor of art history.
Professor Hollinshead said she was wondering at the beginning of the semester how this rule would affect class attendance.
"I operate my classes on the basis that I should treat my students like adults," she said. If they decide to skip class all the time then it's their choice and they deal with the consequences."
According to Health Services' Web site, the amount of students coming down with flu-like symptoms has increased during the past month. Health Services has been denying students seeking physicals and other types of medical visits because they are backed up with flu patients.
"I gave a quiz last week and about 20 people missed it," said Alison Roberts, professor of biological sciences.
She said she hopes that students are not using this rule to miss exams and work. Roberts told her students that if they fall behind, it is usually harder to make it up at the end of the semester in a small period of time, than the amount of time a student is given, had he or she came to class.
Health Services advises students to continue to wash their hands and if they start to feel flu-like symptoms coming on stay hydrated, get a good amount of sleep and stay away from others until they feel healthy again.
At the start of the semester Health Services sent out letters to teachers and students urging them to stay home or in their dorms if they feel ill. The letters also stated that students will no longer need a doctor's note or explanation for their absence from class. This policy ensures that students focus on getting better, and do not to spread the virus around campus.
"Attendance this semester has been lower than usual, but the student's in all my classes have actually been good about letting me know," said Mary Hollinshead, professor of art history.
Professor Hollinshead said she was wondering at the beginning of the semester how this rule would affect class attendance.
"I operate my classes on the basis that I should treat my students like adults," she said. If they decide to skip class all the time then it's their choice and they deal with the consequences."
According to Health Services' Web site, the amount of students coming down with flu-like symptoms has increased during the past month. Health Services has been denying students seeking physicals and other types of medical visits because they are backed up with flu patients.
"I gave a quiz last week and about 20 people missed it," said Alison Roberts, professor of biological sciences.
She said she hopes that students are not using this rule to miss exams and work. Roberts told her students that if they fall behind, it is usually harder to make it up at the end of the semester in a small period of time, than the amount of time a student is given, had he or she came to class.
Health Services advises students to continue to wash their hands and if they start to feel flu-like symptoms coming on stay hydrated, get a good amount of sleep and stay away from others until they feel healthy again.
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