H1N1 Influenza Information
This page last updated Sept. 10, 2009
This web site provides a summary of information specifically for Organizational Dynamics students and faculty about the policies and procedures for managing the novel H1N1 influenza outbreak. Information from the University can be found here: http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/flu. Information from the School of Arts and Sciences can be found here: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/home/flu/index.html
Information for Organizational Dynamics Students
Before Class
Before travelling to class, get in the habit of checking this page for breaking news or other information about courses, last minute changes, and Penn or SAS policies that affect professional Master’s students.
Influenza Prevention Measures
The following measures should be followed to promote good health and for prevention and mitigation of H1N1 virus contact:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective and should be used regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth particularly if your hands are not regularly cleaned.
- Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illness which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Prepare Now
Consider steps you can take now to limit the disruption of your course attendance or academic obligations if you develop influenza-like illness:
- Talk to your family members and close associates about what would happen if you or they develop influenza-like illness. You may wish to purchase masks and gloves for your home, consider how to manage child-or other care, and have contingency plans for travel.
- Ask your instructors about attendance policies and procedures for making up assignments or other deliverables if you become ill. Topics include making up coursework, use of SKYPE or a telephone conference system if you cannot attend, and deadlines. If your tuition is paid by a sponsor that requires a final grade to be posted to receive tuition support, be clear about what to do if you cannot complete your work by the deadline date.
- Be familiar with how the class email system works in case you must alert class mates (on a project or team) that you are ill.
- Acquire and use flu prevention supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, disinfectants, and disposable wipes. Frequently clean high-touch surfaces such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, writing instruments, and counters.
Q and A
1. What if I develop symptoms of influenza-like iIlness?
Do not go to class until you are fever free for more than 24 hours. Alert your course instructor and the Organizational Dynamics office (215 898-6967).
- If you are a FULL-TIME student, contact Student Health Service (215-746-3535) to report your illness and to receive guidance about treatment. You may consider leaving campus to stay with family until you recover. If you do leave campus, please travel in a way that limits your contact with others (for example, avoid public transportation).
2. Will the Student Health Service prescribe Tamiflu or other antiviral medication to FULL-TIME students?
In keeping with current guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on treating influenza-like illness, Student Health Service will prescribe antiviral medications on a limited, case-by-case basis, to FULL-TIME students who are pregnant, severely ill, or have underlying health conditions (severe asthma, diabetes, HIV disease, immune deficiency).
3. What should I do if I miss class due to influenza-like illness?
Notify your instructor that you have influenza-like illness or are responsible for the care of another person with this illness and will be missing class. You are responsible for making up any work you miss and for planning and interacting with your instructors to minimize the disruption caused by your absence. If your illness or the illness of another family member causes you to miss more than one evening or one day class, contact the Organizational Dynamics office before you miss the second session.
4. What is the Policy Concerning Incomplete Grades?
All course requirements are due by the dates set by the course professor. A student who does not complete requirements by the deadline will receive a final grade that reflects that required obligations were not delivered.
A student who expects to miss a deadline date may formally request an extension that may result in a grade of Incomplete.
- NOTE: Receiving an Incomplete is not an entitlement nor is it automatically issued when one misses the defined coursework deadline. Rather, it is tied to a specific extension date set by the professor at which time the requirements are due. The Incomplete is issued because of a compelling reason accepted by the professor.
A grade of Incomplete that is not removed within two semesters from its official posting may become permanent and may not contribute to degree requirements. A student who has more than two Incomplete courses for two semesters may not register for additional courses until a formal plan for completion of coursework has been received and approved by the student’s academic advisor.
5. What are Faculty Being Told About Missing Class?
Read the “Information for Organizational Dynamics Faculty” section of this document in order to be familiar with the faculty perspective.
6. What Contribution can I Make to Better Manage our Community?
If you have a suggestion or advice that could benefit what is posted on this web page, or Organizational Dynamics or School or University community, please contact the Program office.
Information for Organizational Dynamics Faculty
Before Class
Before travelling to class, get in the habit of checking this page for breaking news or other information about courses, last minute changes, and Penn or SAS policies that affect students. If there is a problem or sudden news concerning your course, it will be posted here.
Influenza Prevention Measures
The following measures should be followed to promote good health and for prevention and mitigation of H1N1 virus contact:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective and should be used regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth particularly if your hands are not regularly cleaned.
- Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illness which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Plan Ahead Now
Consider what steps you can take now to limit the disruption if you become ill or if a family member under your care becomes ill and you are not available to attend class to teach:
- Develop contingency plans to manage delivery of your course material if you are not present.
- Be aware that some students require a final grade in order to be reimbursed for the cost of a current course. If the student cannot complete the work by the deadline date, reimbursement can be held up and future course registration can be prevented.
- Plan for disruptions to your courses, including informing your students about:
- policies and expectations regarding class attendance;
- procedures for making up in-class assignments and obligations for students who are absent due to illness;
- procedures to notify students if class is unexpectedly cancelled
- Become familiar with instructional technology available to all instructors:
- Courses In Touch-Class List allows instructors to generate email notices to all students enrolled in a class.
- Blackboard also provides class email and has online tools for conducting class discussions, posting lecture or discussion notes, submitting student assignments, and other tasks.
- Contact the Organizational Dynamics Office NOW if you need assistance using these instructional technologies.
- Talk to your family and household members about what would happen if you or they develop influenza-like illness and remain at home.
- Acquire and use flu prevention supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, disinfectants, and disposable wipes for your laboratory or office through established procedures for obtaining office supplies. Frequently clean high touch surfaces such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, and counters.
Q and A
1. What if I Need to Cancel My Class?
- Contact the Organizational Dynamics Office as soon as you make this decision. Use telephone or email. Contact Alan Barstow or Larry Starr if possible.
- Notify your students. Use telephone or email (class email lists are available to all instructors via the technologies noted above).
2. What is the Policy Concerning Incomplete Grades?
All course requirements are due by the dates set by the course professor. A student who does not complete requirements by the deadline will receive a final grade that reflects that required obligations were not delivered.
A student who expects to miss a deadline date may formally request an extension that may result in a grade of Incomplete.
- NOTE: Receiving an Incomplete is not an entitlement nor is it automatically issued when one misses the defined coursework deadline. Rather, it is tied to a specific extension date set by the professor at which time the requirements are due. The Incomplete is issued because of a compelling reason accepted by the professor.
A grade of Incomplete that is not removed within two semesters from its official posting may become permanent and may not contribute to degree requirements. A student who has more than two Incomplete courses for two semesters may not register for additional courses until a formal plan for completion of coursework has been received and approved by the student’s academic advisor.
3. What are Students Being Told About Missing Class?
Read the “Information for Organizational Dynamics Students” section of this document in order to be familiar with the student perspective.
4. What Contribution can I Make to Better Manage our Community?
If you have a suggestion or advice that could benefit what is posted on this web page, or Organizational Dynamics or School or University community, please contact the Program office.
3401 Walnut Street
Suite 328A
Philadelphia, PA 19104
T: 215-898-6967
F: 215-898-8934
SAS: School of Arts and Sciences
University of Pennsylvania