Professors must allow sick days to students with flu symptoms

Editor,

Many of us are deeply concerned about the welfare of this country's health - especially with the arrival of the new strain of flu: H1N1 (swine flu). I am very concerned about my fellow students. Professors, please give students the time off and chance to retake exams if students are presenting symptoms or have been exposed to the flu virus without red tape and superfluous hoop jumping.

Why? Many of us have families and do not want to potentially pass on a deadly strain, nor bury a child. Sound serious? It very well should. If anyone is feeling ill, they know to visit a physician as soon as possible, and professors must allow for take-home assignments and re-scheduling of exams. This will prevent a lot of damage.

While many professors understand and most assuredly give students time off, some still insist on students attending class ill during exam time or not. You know who you are. This goes without saying: I do not want to pass on the virus to my infant; I want to see her grow up.

Departments should give professors time off to see a doctor, and if anyone is ill, please stay home. I have seen classmates come to class really sick because they feel like they have to. Please consider the fact that many do not go home to an empty apartment. Additionally, this flu should not be an excuse to ditch class or sough off, but consider this:

The University has an immense number of students with families. If we work together, we could keep UNM safe and avert a disaster. I understand UNM is preparing, but all should prepare. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Elizabeth Hillman

UNM student