Stay home when you are unwell

If you are unwell, stay home, take care of yourself and keep our campus community healthy. By taking care of yourself today, you’ll be in better shape to accomplish your goals tomorrow. Missing out on a day of classes or work can be frustrating, discouraging or anxiety-inducing. Remember that taking care of yourself is always beneficial. We are encouraging all members of the campus community to stay home if they are feeling sick.

Take care at home

Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself from home:

• Rest. You can only be as productive as your body will allow.
• Evaluate your symptoms. Contact Health Link 811 for medical information, or seek  in-person medical attention. In case of emergencies, contact 911.
• Keep the things that make you feel better close at hand. Everyone has a different routine and needs for coping when they’re unwell. Everyone has different needs when they are unwell. Fluids, comfy clothes, medication, healthy foods and activities to unwind are all good things to have on hand.
• Don’t put pressure on yourself.

Follow Public Health Guidelines

These simple actions can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses and contribute to a healthier campus community:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Wear masks when required or recommended by public health authorities.

Information for Students 

Missing Classes/Exams Due to Illness

If you need to miss classes/exams because you are unwell:

• Contact your instructor. As you are able, keep your instructor advised of when you will be well enough to return to class.
• Follow the procedures for missing classes/exams.
• Explore available accommodations based on documented medical illness, injury, disability, or non-medical protected grounds through the Academic Success Centre.
• If you start to feel better, restart your academic activities with work you can do from home first: check in with your course syllabus, look for your class notes on eClass and connect digitally with your instructor or a classmate to get up-to-date on what you missed.

Medical Resources

• For vaccinations and non-emergency physician care visit the University Health Centre (UHC) or the UHC Pharmacy in SUB.
• For urgent/emergency medical care contact Health Link 811.

Mental Health Resources

• To connect with resources for physical and mental health, as well as life in general, contact Wellness Supports.
• For mental health support through trained therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, contact Counselling and Clinical services.

Inquiries

• For information and access to services to support your academic, financial, mental, and physical well-being, contact the Student Service Centre.
• For inquiries about accommodations and wellness, contact the Office of the Dean of Students. 

Information for Instructors

Various supportive health and wellbeing resources are available to all U of A employees. Access these resources directly and confidentially depending on your needs.

Instructors are encouraged to remind students that it is influenza and COVID-19 season, and common colds and viruses are present in our community. Staying home when unwell and following public health guidelines helps take care of ourselves as well as our community.

Additional resources:

• What to do if you’re sick or injured (academic staff)
• What to do when a student is sick from exams or term work
• If you are concerned about your health, contact Health Link 811
• Review information for students (see above)

COVID-19 Reporting + Privacy

The province and public health authorities have discontinued formal tracking of COVID-19 cases. Instructors are not required to report a student's illness to the university if the student discloses a positive COVID-19 test result. Respect for students' privacy and health confidentiality is paramount.

Information for Staff

Various supportive health and wellbeing resources are available to all U of A employees. Access these resources directly and confidentially depending on your needs.

If you are sick, advise your supervisor or team/relevant colleagues about your absence and follow the appropriate steps.