YPSILANTI, Mich.-Since the first reports of H1N1 swine flu back in April 2009, the world has been increasingly transfixed by the outbreak of a highly contagious and potentially lethal new type of influenza. According to the World Health Organization, swine flu has the potential for becoming a worldwide epidemic. It has urged national public health systems to be vigilant and watch out for flu outbreaks in demographic groups ranging from 25-45 years of age. This type of influenza is killing those who are in their prime unlike the common influenza virus. Closely associated with the age group, targeted by H1N1 swine flu, are college campuses. The rapid exchange of this highly contagious influenza between people, has urged Eastern Michigan University to look for ways to best accommodate its students.
Gregory A. Peoples, the Ombudsman at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is in charge of advocating for fair processes and fair administration on behalf of students. Peoples position as Ombudsman also stands as the mediator of conflict between staff and students. “A bushel of students visited (the office) in late September(2009) requesting that there be a way for ill students to be excused from classes due to flu-like illness.” said Peoples. Along with their argument, Peoples said, “students presented information that explained how a continuous spread of illness would occur due to students being afraid of missing class, which could result in failure of that class.” The administration implemented the (absenteeism) policy due to the information presented.
