• General Information
• Signs & Symptoms
  • Things to Remember
• Prevention
  • Cleaning
  • Proper Hand Washing
• Student Resources
  • Medical Services
  • Academics
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  • On-Campus Living
  • Dining & Food Service
• Parents & Family Resources
• Faculty & Staff Resources
  • Student Absences
  • Faculty & Staff Absences
  • Resources
• Additional Resources

If I miss class due to my (possible) infection with HINI will I be excused from class?
Any documentation regarding missing class because of illness must be provided by the student to the instructor in a timely manner.  Instructors will make the decision regarding whether an absence is excused based on the information provided.  Notification that a student has received treatment will not be construed as a “medical excuse.” Ultimately, the authority for deciding whether the documentation presented by the student justifies an excused absence rests with the instructor.

All students are expected to abide by each instructor’s class attendance policy. Regardless of whether an absence is excused or unexcused, the student is responsible for making up all work that is missed

Even though FSU Policy tells me to stay home while I still have a fever?
Yes, while faculty will be as flexible as possible and will be working with students to ensure that they are not unduly harmed by their absences, it is important to understand that the University’s absence policy has not changed.  

Can I drop a class if I get too far behind due to my absences?
If you feel you are in this situation please contact your academic dean’s office as soon as possible.

If I drop a class and I am on Bright Futures will I still need to repay my Bright Futures award?
Yes

Can I wear a disposable mask in class?
If others are coughing and sneezing, a disposable mask in class is an option for you.

Can someone else report my illness if I am unable to?
It is your responsibility to report your illness.
           
Will the university notify my professors or should I?
The University is working on a system to allow you to go into Blackboard and sign a release of information from Thagard Student Health Center.  This will allow the Dean of Students to notify your faculty member while maintaining your medical information in a secure site.

Until students are notified in writing of the Blackboard notification system, you are responsible to report your illness to your professors.

Will this affect my ability to ask for a class drop or a medical withdrawal?
Most students who experience H1N1 have a moderate experience with flu like symptoms and are able to return to classes 24 hours after fever is gone.  We are encouraging students to first try and make up any missed classes; we are alerting faculty to expect a greater than average absence rate during the 8 week predicted surge of H1N1.  Make an appointment with a medical provider if your symptoms do not decrease in severity.  For a medical withdrawal you will need documented medical intervention.

What happens if my faculty member is too ill to teach?
Academic departments are in the planning phase of looking at a higher than average absence rate.  It may be that course work will be available online in order that both faculty and students are accommodated during H1N1.