Memo to students

Dear Student,

An increasing number of students are sending emails to UVic Health Services seeking medical advice and asking questions about academic policy involving H1N1 and other seasonal sickness.

Health Services is simply too busy caring for an increasing number of students to reply to these emails. I am hoping that this email can deal with the majority of the questions being sent to Health Services.

• Instructors do not require a note if your absence, due to medical reasons, is under two weeks. This policy applies to ALL illnesses, not just H1N1.
• Students may request, directly from the course instructor, deferral or substitution of a mid-term test/examination or of other work which is due during the term. Arrangements to complete such missed or late work must be made between the student and the instructor.
• If you wish further information about H1N1 symptoms please check the FAQs. You may find the answers to your questions there. Or you can check the Health Services website for information on flu symptoms, self-care, when to seek medical advice, and how to access the doctor on call. Currently, Health Services cannot reply to emails due to an extremely heavy case load. If you still require further assistance, call Health Services at 250-721-8492.
• If you can’t come to Student Financial Aid due to illness, call 250-721-8423 or email finaid@uvic.ca to find out how to make alternate arrangements to process your documents.

UVic’s experience with H1N1 is representative of what is occurring in the wider community. The university continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with public health officials and will continue to follow their lead and direction.

We will continue to update the UVic H1N1 website as new information becomes available about upcoming immunization clinics this fall.

Dr. Catherine Mateer
Associate Vice President, Academic Planning