SAIT is continuing to monitor the impact of seasonal flu and H1N1 in our community in conjunction with Alberta Health Services (AHS). As further information becomes available processes and responses listed here may be adapted accordingly.
The following information is intended to help guide faculty actions through this flu season. If you have additional questions, please submit them to
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. Responses to frequently asked questions will be listed here. Please check back for updates. What responsibilities do I have to my students regarding the seasonal flu and H1N1?
Faculty members should make themselves aware of information on this website that is being provided to SAIT students regarding seasonal flu and H1N1.
Faculty members should inquire with their Academic Chairs should clarification be required as to how their school intends to manage student or instructor absences.
As a faculty member, you may wish to preplan how you can keep your courses moving forward in case of student illness or your own.
Practice and encourage flu prevention (e.g., self-care, proper hand-washing, and coughing etiquette), and self-isolation for cases of the flu. Encourage students to review the information about seasonal flu and H1N1 on this website and available through www.health.alberta.ca/healthinfo/influenza‐H1N1.html
Can I send a sick student home? Students exhibiting clear signs of the flu should be excused from the classroom and encouraged to report to Campus Health Services or go home, self-isolate and follow instructions provided through www.health.alberta.ca/healthinfo/influenza‐H1N1.html
I don’t want to teach as my class has ill students. Can I cancel the class?
At the present time, there is no identified need for class cancellations due to influenza.
Students exhibiting clear signs of the flu should be excused from the classroom and encouraged to report to Campus Health Services or go home, self-isolate and follow instructions provided through www.health.alberta.ca/healthinfo/influenza‐H1N1.html
Faculty members with concerns about meeting the learning objectives of a course due to a lengthy absence of the instructor of record or a number of students should consult with their Academic Chair or Dean.
Do I need to report to someone if I am sick with flu-like symptoms? Yes. Please contact your School as you would normally do if you were going to be absent. Close communication about absences must be maintained within Schools because of the exceptional and unpredictable nature of an influenza pandemic. A class email list can be a good way to communicate directly with your students. If you have to cancel, please send an email notice to students and your Academic Chair at the earliest opportunity.
Do I need to advise other students of a possible H1N1 exposure in the classroom? No. It is not appropriate for faculty to notify students of details regarding another student’s health status. This can violate the privacy of the individual in addition to creating unnecessary concern for students – including the person who is ill.
What accommodation can be made for students who miss classes or exams due to seasonal influenza or H1N1? Students who become ill with the flu and miss a mid-term exam, project or assignment should contact their course instructor.
Flexibility regarding attendance requirements may be given. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis. Instructors may choose to expand opportunities to make up tests or other course work.
Students have the responsibility for making up the missed work. Where circumstances warrant, SAIT will provide academic accommodations, however students remain responsible for meeting course requirements.
