Health

Your individual health and well-being is important to me. For this reason, we are meeting online only this semester, enabling you to social distance. 

If you find yourself struggling physically or mentally this semester, please know that you are welcome to contact me or other Pellissippi resources. 

If you or a family member becomes ill or struggles because of the pandemic, I will work with you as much as possible to help you to make it through the semester, and we will discuss other options, such as withdrawing or finishing with an incomplete, as appropriate. 

Please note that while I do expect you to communicate with me, you are not obligated to provide me with confidential or sensitive medical information. It is your choice how much of your personal life you want to disclose to me and/or Pellissippi. 

Also, I would like to clarify that the majority of what you tell me is confidential. I am legally obligated to report if you disclose sexual assault/rape, child abuse, or immediate, physical danger to yourself or others. Otherwise, I will keep whatever you tell me confidential. If I feel it would benefit you, I will ask your permission to either share your information or ask another resource to contact you. For example, if you disclose to me that you are experiencing anxiety during the pandemic, I may ask if you would like to be connected with a counselor.  If you do speak with a counselor, that conversation will be completely confidential. They will not even confirm to me that they met with you. 

Your individual health and well-being is important to me. 

If you find yourself struggling physically or mentally this semester, please know that you are welcome to contact me or access other Pellissippi resources. 

A recent, large-scale CDC report revealed that during the summer of 2020, 40% of adults in the US struggled with mental health and/or substance abuse. Roughly half of young adults (18-24) reported anxiety, and over half experienced depression. One in four had seriously considered suicide in the past month. More recent studies have confirmed levels of anxiety and depression remain high, particularly among college students. Based on this information, I know that many of you are not ok. You are not alone. You are not the only one struggling. You do not need to struggle on your own. I want you to do well in this class. Even more than that, I want you to be safe, healthy, happy, and alive. 

Many college students were victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Many college students experience food insecurity and/or housing instability. I know that anyone can face both internal and external challenges, and I want to make sure that you are ok as a person. 

• Unfortunately, Pellissippi does not have a medical clinic.

• Here are some resources for free or low cost medical care. See their website for services, locations, hours, and eligibility.

  • East Knox Free Medical Clinic (located near Magnolia campus)

  • The Free Medical Clinic (located on Champan Highway)

  • KCHD Dental Clinic (located near the Magnolia campus)

  • Planned Parenthood (operational for some services without a current location)

  • Knox County Health Department (good general resource for country residents)

• I encourage you to seek medical care when needed. However, I recognize that requiring doctor's notes is an equity issue. I will only require documentation in the case of long-term absences. For most situations, you can simply tell me that you are sick, and I will believe you. You are also not obligated to share details of your health or medical care. 

• If you could use physical support due to illness, such as needing groceries because of lost income due to illness, I encourage you to contact the Student Care Team. (They are great.)

• If you could use emotional support, including because of illness related situations or feelings, I encourage you to contact the counselors. 

• If you are facing a longer illness/recovery, need surgery, have long-term health concerns, and/or have a disability, I encourage you to speak with disability services about an accommodation plan. 

If you are sick, please do not come to campus.  If you are struggling to meet a deadline due to illness, let me know. I will work with you, as long as you communicate with me. 

The course syllabus sets forth the expectations for the course content, work, and grading as well as expectations for student performance and conduct. The syllabus does not constitute a contract between the student and the instructor or the College. The information contained in the syllabus is subject to change at any time. Students will be notified if any changes are made. Though changes are possible, it is expected that the course will be conducted as described in the syllabus.

Any changes made will be a result of developments in the pandemic or college policies, or adaptations to meet the needs of the class. If the syllabus must be changed, students will have access to the new information, and changes will be made in a way to benefit the most students possible.