By Alyson Paul
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students for Gainesville and Cumming campuses
There is no doubt about it! Being a college student is NOT the care-free lifestyle that is portrayed in movies and is often mischaracterized by parents and others. Most college students are balancing multiple responsibilities, including family and jobs, while also having to keep up with class requirements and deadlines.
With midterms just behind you and major deadlines and tests in front of you, the last thing any college student needs is to get sick or run-down. Although COVID-19 infection rates are declining, the flu season is only beginning.
Also, as the seasons change from summer to fall, you may find that you are developing allergies that you never experienced before. It is not uncommon for new allergies to develop in young adults.
During the next few weeks, try to take preventative steps to keep your body operating as effectively as possible by:
Listen to your body when it indicates it is fighting off something through symptoms like fatigue, cough, sore throat, or a low-grade fever. If you begin experiencing symptoms, make an appointment with a medical provider. Students who pay the student health fee can make an appointment at the Student Health Center, with contact information below. There is no cost for the appointment or most medications prescribed.
Also, the Student Health Centers provide self-care centers where students can pick up various over-the-counter medications ranging from lip balm to ibuprofen for free.
Whether you visit the Student Health Center for your symptoms or not, you will want to notify your instructors if you are unable to attend class because of sickness. Students can complete the excused absence request form on the Dean of Students webpage, which will allow the Dean of Students to assist students in making these notifications and will encourage faculty to be flexible with missed assignments where possible.
Finally, students will have the opportunity to participate in asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 before going home for the Thanksgiving break. These opportunities are provided each week and the schedule can be found on the Nighthawks Together webpage.