Student Absence Policy Addition

Custodian of Policy: Vice President Academic Affairs

Relevant Minnesota State System Policy: Board Policy 5.12

Relevant MSUM Policy: Student Absence Policy

Effective Date: Fall 2020-Spring 2021

Academic Year 2020-2021

Policy

In addition to current MSUM Student Absence Policy the following policy shall be in place during the 2020-2021 academic year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Students are required to report to MSUM if they have received a positive COVID-19 test result.

If a student has either been exposed to COVID-19 or has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and has been instructed by a medical healthcare professional or a contact-tracer to remain in self-isolation/quarantine, that student shall be excused from physical classroom attendance and associated physical classroom activities until they are cleared to return, based on medical provider guidance. The student shall not be penalized for classroom absences during this time and shall be given a reasonable amount of time to submit any missed classroom assignments or exams.

If a student has primary responsibility of caring for someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, this attendance policy will also apply to them.

Students are required to report to MSUM if they have received a positive COVID-19 test result or have been notified by a contact-tracer that they have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

A student who is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should stay home until they can get guidance from a medical healthcare professional about whether they need to quarantine or self-isolate. The student will be excused from physical classroom attendance and associated physical classroom activities until they are cleared to return, based on medical provider guidance. The student should complete the COVID-19 Report Form so that the Dean of Students Office can notify their faculty as soon as possible that they are missing a physical classroom meeting for this reason. The student does not need to provide any documentation from a medical provider but is responsible for making up work missed as under the MSUM Student Absence Policy.

If a student has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been instructed by a medical healthcare professional or a contact-tracer to enter or remain in quarantine or self-isolation then:

• If the student IS NOT experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, that student shall be excused from physical classroom attendance until they are cleared to return, based on medical provider guidance. The student shall not be penalized for classroom absences during this time but is responsible for making up classroom work missed as under the MSUM Student Absence Policy. Wherever possible, the student will continue doing assignments while in quarantine. If the student is enrolled in any hyflex or online courses, then the student will be expected to continue participating in that hyflex or online course instruction.
• If the student IS experiencing symptoms then that student shall be excused from course attendance and activities until they are cleared to return, based on medical provider guidance or symptoms have ended. The student shall not be penalized for absences during this time but is responsible for making up work missed as under the MSUM Student Absence Policy.

If a student has primary responsibility of caring for someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, this attendance policy will also apply to them.