Returning from Illness?

If we are aware of your situation, we may reach out to check in about your needs and offer our support. The university representatives with whom you are most likely to interact while you are out are:

• Paige Zarogoza-Davies, Interim Dean of Students: 801-626-6362
• Lauren Busby, Interim Assistant Dean of Students: 801-626-7356
• Dianna Abel, Executive Director of Student Wellbeing: 801-626-6274

When you are not feeling well, it may be helpful to limit the energy you spend communicating with others. Although we want to offer support and serve as allies to the extent that you wish, we also respect your privacy. We strongly encourage you to reach out to one of the Weber State representatives listed above. We will help you get connected to the right people and departments to address your needs. 

It is generally ideal for you to communicate directly with your faculty regarding your situation and your needs. If this is not possible due to your health status or your inpatient hospitalization, or if you don’t feel comfortable engaging with your faculty about your situation, we can reach out to them on your behalf. If you have attempted to negotiate a plan with your faculty but need additional support discussing adjustments, you may also consider reaching out to the Disability Services office. They are authorized to receive and store your confidential medical records, and they can provide faculty with limited formal verification of your situation. While Disability Services can assist you in navigating communication with your faculty, please be aware that some decisions rest with the faculty member.

When you are released from the hospital or cleared to resume normal activities following an illness, you will likely be provided with an aftercare plan. It is important that you follow the guidance of your care providers to support your continued healing. Doing so may require you to adjust your academic participation or seek additional campus-based support to help you be successful. We are here to help you navigate your return to school. Please contact us as soon as you know that you intend to return to campus. Some issues to consider are described below.

 Following a health event such as a significant illness or a hospitalization, you may need some flexibility or adjustments regarding missed classes, late assignments, or make-up exams. It is generally ideal for you to communicate directly with your faculty regarding your situation and your needs as soon as you possibly can, sharing as much or as little about your health event as you are comfortable sharing. You may also consider reaching out to the Disability Services office to help navigate this process and discuss accommodations for which you may be eligible.

Sometimes prioritizing your health means reducing your course load, delaying course completion(s) by requesting Incomplete grade(s) from your instructor(s), or even withdrawing completely from the semester. Each of these academic options, and the timeline within which you pursue them, involve pros and cons regarding impacts on your transcript, your financial aid and scholarships, and your eligibility for any refunds. You are strongly encouraged to discuss potential academic impacts with your academic advisor, while staff in the Financial Aid and Scholarships office can help clarify potential impacts on your financial aid or scholarships.

You may qualify for an exception to university policies or deadlines related to class withdrawals and tuition refunds. Even if the semester has ended and you earned failing grades, you may submit a petition for late withdrawal. If you are considering petitioning, it is generally best for you to begin with an academic petition and follow up with petitions to the Bursar and the Financial Aid and Scholarships office if needed. Please know that Petition Student Advocates are available to help as you navigate petition processes. You can also contact the Dean of Students office for assistance with petitions.

If you are receiving federal financial aid and/or you have been awarded scholarship funding, you must meet certain standards related to course completion and GPA. Often a significant illness or hospitalization impacts your ability to achieve these standards. Failure to do so can result in a repayment requirement or jeopardize your ability to receive financial aid in the future. It is important that you seek assistance when submitting a Financial Aid petition in order to minimize negative consequences.

Depending upon your needs, you might reconsider the best housing option for you following a significant health event and/or hospitalization. If you live in University Housing, it is important that you notify a professional staff member if you will be away for an extended period or are considering leaving University Housing. They can help you navigate any housing-related financial or contractual issues and complete necessary forms.

Sometimes experiencing a significant illness or hospitalization impacts your ability to meet basic needs, such as food. If you are experiencing food insecurity, please visit the Weber Cares Pantry to access some free food. If you are struggling to meet other basic needs, such as housing, transportation, or emergency funding, our Basic Needs Center can connect you with campus resources, emergency assistance, and other community support options to help you continue your education.

Weber State has a variety of resources to help support your wellbeing, including medical and mental health care. Please reach out to any departments that you believe could be helpful to you. While we can assist in many ways, please note that specialized needs related to your medical or mental health care may be best handled by providers in the community. We will refer you to such care when appropriate.