September 2008

To: Undergraduate Students in the Krieger and Whiting Schools

From: Dean Susan K. Boswell

Re: ILLNESS NOTE POLICY

The Student Health and Wellness Center does not provide excuses for students who miss individual classes. If a student is seen at the Health Center for a serious or extended illness that causes him or her to miss a significant number of classes or major academic assignments, including mid-term examinations, the Center will alert the Office of the Dean of Student Life so that the student’s instructors and the appropriate academic advising office can be notified.

Since absence from a final examination is excused in only the most serious of circumstances, the Health Center will provide confirmation of illness for those students who are seen at the Center for treatment at the time of their illness.

Students should be guided by the following:

-If you need to miss class or are unable to complete course work due to illness you should contact your instructor IMMEDIATELY to make whatever arrangements are necessary to make up any work.

-If you develop a significant illness that interferes with your ability to meet academic obligations you should go to the Health Center PROMPTLY as well as confer with the appropriate academic advising office, which stands ready to assist you.

-You should ask your instructors about expectations for class attendance and what procedures they will follow for students who miss class or assignments. Such policies are determined by each instructor and will differ from class to class.

-You are reminded that misrepresenting your personal circumstances to a faculty member, student health and wellness staff, or any university official constitutes academic dishonesty and is grounds for action by the Academic Ethics Board.

studentlife@jhu.edu