September 23, 2009 Bulletin # 1 Faculty Guidance in response to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Academic Year After consultation

with the TRU senior executive, the Council of Deans, Office of Student Affairs, and the TRUFA executive a number of guiding policies have been developed for the 2009-2010 Academic year in relation to H1N1 influenza. TRU will continue to consult with a sub-committee of Senate on possible academic issues that may need adjustment for this academic year, in response to the H1N1 influenza. Instructions: Please read this message to your students and communicate the changes that TRU is making for the 2009/10 academic year. Please post this notice on the classroom bulletin board, and post to your Moodle or Blackboard site if you use them. Regular updates regarding H1N1 preparedness are posted on the TRU Occupational Health and Safety website. 1. Students arriving to class with influenza like illness (ILI) will be requested to leave the classroom. 2. Students home with ILI must report their illness to their professors and make arrangements to complete required assignments or examinations. It is an expectation that students will complete the requirements of the course as stated in the course outline to receive a passing grade. 3. To encourage students with ILI to stay home, we ask that faculty let their students know that there will be an opportunity to complete assignments, examinations, and class content without penalty. 4. A note from a doctor will not be required upon return to school (students) or work (faculty and staff) for the 2009-2010 academic year for an individual ill with influenza like illness lasting no more than 7 days. A note from a doctor will be required for all other circumstances including an influenza illness lasting longer than 7 days. If the influenza illness persists go see a doctor. Background: Physicians nationally, provincially, and locally have made the decision not to provide notes for individuals ill with uncomplicated influenza. The physicians do no want people with influenza like illness (ILI) in their waiting rooms as this increases the transmission of the virus. If faculty continue to require students to submit a medical certificate upon return to school and students are unable to obtain a medical certificate then the students will go to class. This will result in increased spread of the flu virus. The policy to waive a note from a doctor is consistent with what other universities are doing across the country. Thank you to all TRU faculty and students in assisting Thompson Rivers University in managing this situation.

_______________________ Joanne Jones, MSN., RN. Pandemic Planning Coordinator

_______________________ Uli Scheck, Ph.D. Provost and Vice-President, Academic (Interim)