May 13, 2003

Dear Students,

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine understands and appreciates the importance of commencement and related activities to students and their families. Our primary goal, however, must be the protection of the health of our university community and visitors.

Therefore, in accordance with Johns Hopkins University policy, the School strongly urges that any person who has recently resided in or visited an area affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) not attend the School's or university-wide commencement ceremonies or related activities if he or she develops any of the following symptoms:

• Fever greater than 38.0 degrees C (100.4 degrees F) or
• Cough or
• Shortness of breath or
• Difficulty breathing or
• Headache or
• Muscle aches

For the purposes of this policy, a SARS-affected area is one under a SARS travel advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of this date, the SARS-affected areas under a CDC travel advisory are mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. CDC advisory updates can be found at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel.htm.

Students, their families and guests should err on the side of caution. If there is any doubt about the presence of any symptom in a guest who has traveled here from a SARS-affected area, he or she should not attend commencement or other public events.

If a visitor from a SARS-affected area becomes ill during School of Medicine ceremonies at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, he or she is asked to go to the Information Desk at the Meyerhoff and let the individual on duty know. Further instructions will be provided at that time.

Sincerely,

David Nichols, M.D.
Vice Dean for Education
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine