Student FAQs
- If I miss class due to my (possible) infection with flu will I be excused from class?
- Is there a special MDC policy for students who have flu?
- What about the availability of a flu vaccine?
- Will my (possible) infection with flu affect my ability to ask for an official withdrawal through the College Petition process?
- Can I drop a class if I get too far behind due to my absences?
- If I drop a class and I am on Bright Futures will I still need to repay my Bright Futures award?
- Can I wear a disposable mask in class?
If I miss class due to my (possible) infection with flu will I be excused from class?back to top
Any communication 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. 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.
Is there a special MDC policy for students who have flu?back to top
No, there is no special policy. However, faculty will be as flexible as possible and will be working with students to ensure that they are not unduly affected by their absences. It is important to understand that the College’s absence policy has not changed.
What about the availability of a flu vaccine?back to top
There will be two different types of flu vaccines (seasonal flu & H1N1) available this year. More information about the availability of both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines can be found in the Vaccines subsection of the MDC Flu Awareness webpage at www.mdc.edu/main/flu/vaccines.
Will my (possible) infection with flu affect my ability to ask for an official withdrawal through the College Petition process?back to top
Most students who experience seasonal flu or H1N1 have a moderate experience with flu like symptoms and are able to return to classes 24 hours after their 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 the flu season. 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. Please see the College Student Petitions (procedure 4018) in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook if your illness requires an official withdrawal from the College.
Can I drop a class if I get too far behind due to my absences?back to top
Most students will be able to make up the work missed because of a bout with the flu virus, typically 3-4 days. Students must consider a wide range of academic and financial issues as they decide whether to drop a course or withdraw from the entire semester. New legislation requires students to pay back any portion of their tuition that was covered by the Bright Futures scholarship when they drop a course or withdraw. Students should see an advisor before making any decision about dropping or withdrawing from classes.
If I drop a class and I am on Bright Futures will I still need to repay my Bright Futures award?back to top
Yes.
Can I wear a disposable mask in class?back to top
Yes, but the CDC states that the use of facemasks and respirators generally are not recommended in community, work and home settings due to their limited effectiveness to decrease the risk of flu infection. Instead the risk for infection can be reduced through a combination of actions. No single action will provide complete protection, but an approach combining the following steps can help decrease the likelihood of transmission. These recommended actions are:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- People who are sick with an influenza-like illness (fever plus at least cough or sore throat and possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea) should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
- Avoid close contact (i.e. being within about 6 feet) with persons with influenza-like illness.