Your participation in all scheduled activities is essential. This is especially crucial for all activities that involve patient care, and for the tutor groups. If you are not available for a patient session, the patient will not obtain optimal care, and others will have to perform your work. If you are not present for a tutor session, the group dynamic is distorted, and the tutor will be unable to assess your skills.

Absences that can be planned, such as doctor appointments, social events, and the like, should be avoided unless they are absolutely necessary. If they must occur, you must ask permission of the course director. In addition, you should notify the supervising faculty or resident in advance regarding any session that you will miss. For emergency absences, you should call the same persons as soon as possible.

The WCMC policy regarding religious observances may be found in the Student Handbook. In brief, you are excused from responsibilities for the purpose of religious observances. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your requests and to provide you with an opportunity to make up any missed work or information.

If you have a highly communicable illness, such as infectious diarrhea or conjunctivitis, you should not participate in patient care. If you have a less infectious illness, such as a respiratory infection, you can see patients while wearing a mask.

Absences that do not follow these guidelines are considered serious lapses of responsibility.