November 7, 2022

Dear AU Students,

With flu season upon us, we want to remind the community of measures you can take to help keep yourself and others healthy, particularly as the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors.

Please get your flu shot this week if you haven’t already. There are walk-in flu shots at the Student Health Center from 10 am-3 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Nov. 7-9). No appointment is needed. You can also see the list of nearby pharmacies offering flu shots.

Monitor your health and stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Connect with faculty directly so they can support you in making up work you may have missed.

Remember that masks and handwashing help against flu, too. Preventive habits like frequently washing hands with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and choosing to wear a high-quality mask can help limit the spread of infections. It is also important to eat well and get enough rest, even during these busy mid-semester weeks.

As always, for short-term absences (including illness), communicate directly with your faculty about your absence and appropriate follow-up. Faculty have the ability to excuse you for short-term absences, as per Academic Regulations. Students do not need to provide proof of illness from the Student Health Center for these short-term absences.

However, if you are experiencing a significant medical condition that may affect academic progress or result in prolonged absences, please reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students. They will work with you to obtain documentation and communicate directly with faculty and advisors.

Take care and stay healthy!

Fanta Aw
Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life, and Inclusive Excellence

Peter Starr
Provost and Chief Academic Office