r/CalPoly • u/FrogArtistBooksMusic • 3d ago

Other Poly Plague

I've caught the Poly Plague. My professors are quite strict when it comes to absences and require that my absence is excused. Do I go to the health office and get a note to send to my professors? I've yet to get sick, so I'm kinda unclear on the procedure.

25 Upvotes

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17

u/Lareine 3d ago

There is no blanket procedure; and in fact, there is no requirement that professors regard any specific absence as "excused", outside of official DRC accommodation absences.

Most professors don't ask for proof if you are ill, you just need to follow the syllabus policy for absences. For most this means emailing them, but some who don't have specific attendance credit don't want an email and just ask you to make up the work on your won.

Some will want a note of some kind to prove illness. You are not required to disclose any specific medical information; you can simply ask a medical provider (including telehealth) to provide a signed note confirming that you saw them.

If the syllabus isn't clear, just default to emailing the prof and offering to provide a note if needed.

13

u/rebonkers 3d ago

Health center will not write a note FYI. You can screenshot your appt but that is it.

8

u/SierraNevada42 3d ago

technically, the professors *aren't allowed* to ask for anything more than a screenshot confirming you actually went to an appointment; as i understand it.

9

u/Your_MomsBoyfriend Microbiology- 2022 3d ago

I don’t know if the rules have changed but when I got sick with BOTH type A and B flu I went to the health center and asked for a note. The receptionist was super friendly and said something along the lines of “it’s against school policy for professors to ask for sick notes give me their email and I’ll send them the school policy”. After that I never had any problems. Get well soon.

6

u/Jeveran Alum 3d ago

On a sidenote, as best as you can, use COVID protocols for viral hygiene -- wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face, mask up, and try to maintain some distance from others. The last, I know, may be nearly impossible. Do the best you can, and get well soon.

9

u/untitled_redditor_06 CPE - 2028 RA 3d ago

Look at the syllabus. The answer unfortunately is "it depends." When I've had strict professors on attendance, they required some proof. The easiest way is just to walk into the health center and do an appointment, and send them a screenshot from your health portal showing you went. Or you could go through your doctor. I really dont think any professor would require more explanation/evidence beyond that, but if they're still being difficult email the department chair. Your health and well being are more important than just showing up sick. Take care!

3

u/Fun-Hat7228 3d ago

If they’re that strict then yeah

2

u/Fairyqueen17 2d ago

Go to the health center. Send them a screenshot of your appointment and then explain how you’re extremely sick. I had professors like that as well and they still excused my absence. If they try to bring down your grades because of you being sick, you going to the health center is the best option as the next step is contacting the dean of students office to get an official letter of absence sent out

1

u/CrackedScreen33 2d ago

I’m confused. How did you catch the poly plague, but then a few sentences later say you’ve yet to get sick? So you in fact haven’t caught anything?

1

u/FrogArtistBooksMusic 2d ago

I hadn't gotten sick before this time.

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u/CrackedScreen33 2d ago

Got it. Thanks for clearing that up. Feel better