MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Students are back from winter break at the University of Minnesota this week, and school officials are asking them to help keep the flu from spreading.

University officials sent an email to students saying that if they’re sick, stay home. The University of Minnesota, along with several other colleges, usually have a rule that students must be in class on the first day of the semester to keep their spot. If they don’t show up, they’re at risk to losing it to a wait-listed student.

University of Minnesota officials have temporarily waived that rule and are telling students to email their instructors that they’re sick instead of bringing a doctor’s note.