Ithaca College

The purpose of this letter is to share with you information concerning the ongoing planning by Academic Affairs regarding the H1N1 (swine) flu virus. The health and safety of both students and faculty is a top priority for us. Please take a few minutes to note the following recommendations and guidelines.

Ithaca College requests that individuals sick with flu-like symptoms remain out of circulation while they are ill, in accordance with recommendations from the campus Health Center and the CDC. 

The exact level of absenteeism (faculty and student) due to flu-related illness is unpredictable.   Current scenarios suggest that we can expect more absences than usual due to flu-like illnesses this year.  Based on this information, the College plans to hold all classes as currently scheduled, until and unless the situation changes.  Also, we are planning to maintain technology and communications support at normal levels.

I believe it will be helpful to you to follow these suggestions: 

• Always communicate with your professors and keep them informed, electronically, if you will be missing any classes due to flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid any unnecessary absences, just in case you become ill with the flu and must miss classes later in the semester. 
• Be sure you know the names and emails of several students in your class, so you can get missed notes, assignments, etc., from classmates if you become ill; you can provide the same in return to other students.
• Assume your professor’s usual attendance policy is in effect until you hear otherwise from the professor or the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• Visit the Health Center website (www.ithaca.edu/sacl/healthcenter) and myHome flu portlet for ongoing updates and other flu information resources. 

We continue to hope that the impact of this flu virus will be minimal.  In the event that it becomes more severe than currently predicted, a more comprehensive College-wide plan will be enacted.  In the meantime, your compliance with these guidelines can make a real difference in the health and well-being of your faculty and your fellow students.  Be sure to contact your professors if you have additional questions.  And, as always, take care of yourself and your health, and be well.