Throughout the academic year, members of the Brock community have been encouraged to stay home if they are unwell and showing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19. This guidance becomes all the more important as the Winter term comes to an end and exams begin.

Faculty members are encouraged to be understanding of student absences related to COVID-19 self-isolation and to be accommodating wherever possible. There are a range of situations in which an individual might be required to self-isolate. Niagara Region Public Health’s community guidance on self-isolation can be found on its website.

At Senate 697 on February 9, changes were approved to the Faculty Handbook that remove the requirement for students to present medical notes in certain circumstances. If students are unwell and unable to complete their academic activities for three days or less, they can present a completed Medical Self-Declaration Form to their instructors to excuse their absence. This self-attestation replaces the previous requirement for a signed medical note and reflects evolving practice in the broader university sector.

A completed Medical Verification Form signed by a medical professional is still required for absences of more than three days, as well as in certain specific situations such as when a student misses an exam.

Note that the revised medical notes process is now in effect and applies to both COVID-related and non-COVID medical absences.

Medical forms are now available on the Student Health Services website.