Sam M. Walton College of Business - University of Arkansas

Dear Walton College Students and Parents of Students:

The Walton College realizes that a widespread H1N1 influenza outbreak has the potential to negatively impact the learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Our College Credo recognizes that "our first responsibility is to our students, their families who entrust us with the education of kindred and relations, and their employers". With this in mind, we have developed a plan of how to continue classes in the event of increased illness and absences of students, faculty, or staff. The plan is based on the following set of guiding principles:
 

• We will attempt to hold all classes at regularly scheduled times while providing flexibility to those impacted.
• The decision regarding cancelling all classes due to illnesses and absences is determined by the University.
• Any changes in the delivery of content, assessment of learning objectives, and processes for that delivery and assessment are determined by the faculty and supported/assisted by the students and staff.

To implement the College plan, faculty members will take the following actions:
 

• Communication: Each faculty member will establish a communication plan that covers both communications to and from students.
• Contingency plans: Each faculty member will make contingency plans for achieving the major learning objectives of each course in the case of student and faculty absences.

Students are asked to take the following actions:
 

• Illness: In the case of illness, do not attend classes. Follow the guidance of health professionals.
• Respect and Flexibility: Be respectful and flexible in working with other students and instructors.
• Communication: Know the communication plan that has been established by your instructors for informing them about your illness or absence as soon as possible.
• "Buddy System:" Identify two "buddies" in each course who you can contact if you need some additional guidance or assistance related to a course.
• Grades & Grading: Recognize that there is the possibility of reallocation of course points in the case of excessive student or faculty absence or illness.
• Professional Responsibility: Students should demonstrate the high standards of ethical conduct as expected of and exhibited by Walton College students in reporting their medical condition, completing coursework, etc. Students should demonstrate due diligence in keeping up with their classes and completing make-up work in a timely fashion.

I hope everyone remains healthy and that we do not have to implement our plans. However, if we are impacted by the H1N1 influenza, we can still have a successful semester if we all work together.

Sincerely,

Dan L. Worrell
Dean