Short and long-term expectations for faculty who have students in need of an extended absence (including isolation or quarantine)

Faculty may have students in class needing an extended absence (which includes possible isolation or quarantine). In the short term, we ask that faculty take students at their word and respond with compassion and understanding. As for allowing make up work for sick students, please be flexible in accepting late assignments and be innovative in working with those individuals on a case-by-case manner. Please note that students who attend classes may be asked to complete the daily Mason COVID Health Check. Information is available here. It is within the rights of a faculty member to request the results of a student’s COVID health check.As we move forward in the school year, we expect that in addition to COVID, the flu and other illnesses such as monkeypox may also impact our campus community. Please remind students that if they experience long-term illnesses or otherwise require recovery which may impact their ability to participate in courses, they will need to provide a note/letter from their medical provider identifying the duration of the absence. Please note that if Student Health Services (SHS) is the student’s provider, SHS will provide the student with documentation of their isolation/quarantine period and when they are cleared. The student may share such documentation with faculty. Please do not reach out to SHS to request this documentation. It is university policy that faculty may not request disclosure of specific medical information, to include diagnosis of illness from SHS or any other medical provider.