OPINION
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S K C A R C E H T
n the midst of a global pandemic, Tufts University has decided to limit students’ access to medical notes while simultaneously mandating them. According to a new policy introduced on October 1, 2021, “neither Health Services nor Counseling and Mental Health Services will provide notes to excuse ill students from midterms or final exams.” Unless Tufts removes its requirement for medical notes, this new policy will only serve to harm chronically ill and low-income students. The administration has encouraged students to abide by class and department policies regarding missed classes and exams. In addition, they advise sick students to complete the Student Illness Notification form located on SIS. However, the October 1 email notes in bold that “the illness form does not excuse students’ absence, missed coursework, deadlines or exams.” In a period of time where we have seen firsthand how illnesses affect others, 8 TUFTS OBSERVER OCTOBER 25, 2021
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Tufts has chosen to take away the guarantee that illness will not impact students’ class performance. Faculty are encouraged—but not required—to request doctor’s notes or medical documentation. The administration seems to rely solely on the good graces of professors and students’ self-advocacy instead of providing tangible ways to ensure that students can get excused from class without academic repercussions. Michelle Bowdler, executive director of Health and Wellness Services, said in an email that “the [new] policy does not change any practices related to Health Service’s current treatment models, with [the Dean of Student Affairs], the advising deans and others to help students with chronic or extended illness, disability, bereavement, or ongoing mental health concerns.” Instead, the policy allegedly serves to alleviate the stress on Health Services to deal with heightened numbers of students in waiting rooms
