Additional Health Information for the Fall Semester

Colleagues,

I am writing to follow up on yesterday’s message from Chancellor Gaber with some additional guidance as you navigate a semester with not only the continuation of COVID-19 but the added concern about monkeypox.

I want to stress that monkeypox is very different from COVID-19. It remains a rare disease that requires very close contact for transmission. There is no evidence that it can be spread by such activities as sharing a classroom with someone.

While the risk of transmission remains low, we also know there is a possibility we will have students or employees who will become ill with the virus this semester. Here is some general guidance to help you in regard to COVID-19, monkeypox, or illnesses in general:

• Absences and Privacy Considerations: As with any medical absence, it is a student’s responsibility to contact you if they are unable to attend class because they are ill. How much they disclose to you about the nature of their illness is their choice. Because of privacy laws, you should not ask students if they have the virus, and the University cannot tell you if a student in your class has been diagnosed with monkeypox. You can, however, ask for a standard absence verification from the student for extended absences. They should work through Student Assistance and Support Services.
• Reporting Concerns: If you are concerned a student in your class is ill, you should complete the standard process for a Care and Concern Report. The appropriate offices in Student Affairs will follow up with the student to ensure they are well.
• Accommodations: You are asked to show kindness and consideration to any student who reports to you that they are ill, allowing them to make up missed classwork to the extent that is possible. Anyone who is diagnosed with monkeypox will be in an isolation period that could last several weeks. We have established University protocols in place to help students navigate extended medical absences, which we will continue to follow. You are not expected to switch your class delivery modality to accommodate extended absences, but please extend flexibility where you can.
• Your Health: Should you become sick for any reason this semester, please remember to follow the University’s standard protocols for faculty illness. If you need additional guidance about individual circumstances, please consult your department chair or dean’s office.

If you have not yet reviewed the updated information on the Niner Nation Cares website, I encourage you to take a few moments to do so. It will provide additional information, including what students are being instructed to do if they become ill.

We are closely following the CDC guidelines for this virus, as well as transmission rates in the state and county. Should guidance change, we will update you as soon as possible.

Thank you for ongoing adaptability as we navigate new challenges.

Sincerely,

Joan F. Lorden
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs