Hi all,

Cody and I are sitting on a committee that is disuccing possible policy requiring the UHCS to give written medical excuses for students to give to thier professors in the event that they will miss an exam,presentation or not be able to turn in a paper.

We are looking for some feedback on what students think of the policies.  whether they think a note is required or meeting with to professor would suffice.  Also, in the event that the professor gives you the option of taking the test at a later time, do you think a grade penatly should be imposed given that you have an unfair advantage over the remainder of the class that took the exam, gave the presentation or handed thier papers in on time?

Please give us your honest feedback and know that we will be sharing the responses with our committee.

Thanks!

Honestly, the professors want UHCS to fix the problems of the students who abuse the system but by making them do more work you take away time from UHCS workers so that they cant get to the people who really need their help. either way the system will be abused why create more work for hard working people.

 

I think that this would be an excellent idea.  This very thing happened to me once and a grade in one of my classes was lowered because I was ill and the health center would not give me an excuse, even though they knew I was sick, so my professor gave me an absence.  I do not think that this would add much work for the employees there, since I am sure that they would develop some sort of form letter to just add the symptoms of the individual's illness.  We also have to keep in mind that the main goal of this university is to serve the students in the best way possible, even if it means that employees have to work slightly harder  Although there is potential for abuse, I think that it would help more than hurt.

I oppose allowing the UHCS to do this.  It is easy to fake sickness.  I could go into any doctor and pretend to be too sick to do anything and they would write me a doctors note for work and call it a virus.  I think that there are several students that, even though they're sick, could still complete their homework.  In fact, I would think that most of the students who claim to be sick could still get their homework done and go to class.  Having excuses handed out for everything considered an "illness" would be cumbersome for professors who would get 10 of these excuses a week, 30 around exam time!!!

Furthermore, I believe that there will be professors who will make it a requirement to get one of these excuses as opposed to going by the honor system.  If this is the case, the UHCS will be flooded with several people who have minor fevers, a bad cold, or some unknown illness that they are faking to get out of their accounting exam.  This would make it harder for students who truly do need to use the health services to gain timely access to it.

 

Lastly, there are a lot of students on this campus that do not go to the doctor when they get sick.  For instance, the only thing I'll typically go to the doctor for is my allergies.  If I get anything else, I'll tough it out unless it paralyzes me.  Why make these students have to go and pay for a medical consultation just to get out of class, where before they would be able to just email the professor.  There are also students who do not believe in going to the doctor.  Keep the minority in mind.

Thanks for posting this for opinions.  I think I'm getting a sore throat and I need to finish my term paper.

 

I think that a note should suffice good enough for a excused absence, but I do not think that they should be just handing the notes out.  As for the tests and such, what about a certain percentage off for every day after the original testing date.  Something small, but enough to make the students want to get the test done with.  Just throwing out ideas.

-Brandon 

If the proffessors wants the UHCS to give students written proff of illness than so be it.  I think we should do that for WSG!!! - Ha no, but seriously I will not knock any proffessor wanting to improve accountability when it comes to their class.  Students will have to have doctors excuse to get off of work without penality - whats the difference for students at a university - as long as it's not getting abused.  I seriously doubt it is right now. 

As long as a test or exam is taken once the student is healthy - or with in a "reasonable" time - then no penalty should be imposed.  It is a little unfair - but thats life.  It's also unfair for a student to get sick during a test or quiz.  As long as their is fairness in the process (not outcome) - then no one should be complaining.

 Is there really a problem with this right now?

 

I am not sure that illness would even be that easy to fake.  You have to keep in mind that these are doctors who have spent nearly a decade in undergrad and medical school and several years of training and residency after that.  The nurses also have extensive training.  With all of this experience, all of them should be able to tell if someone is sick or faking it.  If they honestly can not tell, for the most part, they should not be working in the medical profession.  I would hope that they would not write letters if they are not 100% sure that someone is feeling ill.  UWW hires a great staff of professionals and we should trust them to do their jobs.