Profs urged to be flexible as swine flu season approaches
Professors at St. Thomas are being urged to be flexible with student absences this year as the school prepares for the flu season, the STU Students’ Union heard at their weekly meeting Sept. 24.
Residence Life Director Ryan Sullivan addressed council on behalf of the school, saying students should simply stay home if they’re not feeling well.
He said professors are aware that an increased risk of swine flu means more students than usual will miss class.
Fears that the H1N1 swine flu pandemic could break out on university campuses have schools preparing for the worst.
“We don’t need to know if you have H1N1 or not,” said Sullivan. “If you feel like you have to flu, we’re encouraging you not to come to class.”
He added that students should respect the policy and not abuse it.
Residence house proctors are on alert and are being asked to report any potential cases of the flu to STU Residence Life.
Sullivan said that two students who were experiencing moderate to severe flu like symptoms have already left campus, and there have been two similar cases reported at UNB.
