Overhead image of person working at a desk surrounded by tissues, tea and oranges.
Overhead image of person working at a desk surrounded by tissues, tea and oranges.

Cold–and–flu season is upon us, and questions have arisen about how to handle students at Metropolitan State University of Denver who come to class when they are sick. This is a tricky situation, as being sick is not a violation of the code of conduct, but of course we want to keep the campus safe. Below are some helpful guidelines to use when these situations arise.  

  1. Remind students about campus expectations about Covid-19 and other illnesses by referring them to the MSU Denver Covid-19 Updates website. Students should stay home when they are sick. They can also contact the Health Center at Auraria by calling 303-615-9999 if they have questions about symptoms. 
  2. Offer flexibility and options for appointments, due dates, attendance expectations and other areas to allow students to keep up with classwork while at home. 
  3. Encourage students to proactively contact you if they are unable to attend class/appointments to plan so they can avoid falling behind.  
  4. If students do come to class/appointments and appear ill, speak with them privately to request that they not attend in person until they are in good health.  
    1. Covid-19 and flu vaccines and Covid tests are available at the Health Center at Auraria for students, faculty members and staff members. 
    2. If you are worried about the well-being of the student or they share concerning information, please file a CARE Referral to connect them with the Student Care Center. 
  5. If students continue to attend class/appointments following a request not to do so, please engage with the Dean of Students Office for support. An Incident Report can be filed at this time, or contact Thomas Ragland, assistant dean of students/director of Student Accountability & Behavioral Intervention, for support.