Proposal on the Institutional Policy on Dysmenorrhea-related Absences
(BOR Resolution No. 149, Series of 2025)
Proponent:
Sanny Jr. M. Dumpa
USSCF, Chairperson
I. Introduction
Menstrual health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of student well-being. For students diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, the repeated requirement of a medical certificate (medcert) for each episode can be burdensome, time-consuming, and unnecessary. This policy aims to ease that burden by allowing students with verified chronic dysmenorrhea to submit a one-time certification at the beginning of the term. By doing so, we acknowledge the recurring nature of their condition and prevent undue stress that could affect their academic performance.
This change is not about reducing accountability but rather about streamlining a process that can otherwise cause unnecessary delays and discomfort for students. It ensures that those genuinely suffering from dysmenorrhea receive the accommodation they need without having to go through the hassle of obtaining a medical certificate for a condition that is already medically documented.
II. Description of the Problem
Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is a widespread problem that affects more than 90% of the female VSU students who responded, with almost half feeling moderate to severe pain lasting for hours. Dysmenorrhea has a significant effect on students' ability to focus, engage in class activities, and in some instances, come to school at all. In spite of this, VSU mandates students to submit a medical certificate for the justification of absences due to dysmenorrhea.
The survey results indicate that this policy is problematic for several reasons:
- Restricted Awareness of the Policy – Over two-thirds (68.2%) of the students who responded were unaware of the medical certificate requirement, indicating absence of proper communication and transparency of the policy.
- Undue Burden to Students – Sitting for a medical certificate with every episode is time-consuming, costly, and work-consuming.
- Strong Resistance to the Requirement – The majority (81.6%) of students who responded believe the medical certificate requirement is unnecessary since dysmenorrhea is a frequent and well-documented ailment that need not be demonstrated by medical methods.
- Impact on Academic Achievement – Dysmenorrhea has a negative effect on students' concentration, cooperation during classes, and school attendance. The provision for a doctor's certificate as a prerequisite for validating excuses of absence may lead to undue hardship and punishment of a normal, recurrent condition.
Considering the opposition to the present policy and the very high support (89.7%) for dropping the medical certificate requirement, it is clear that the university has to reconsider its position. A more humane and inclusive method, like the adoption of this policy, would enable students to deal with their condition without the red tape.
This policy’s Survey elicited opinions of students from throughout Visayas State University to gauge the effect of dysmenorrhea on academic performance and student perceptions of the medical certificate for dysmenorrhea-related leaves.
Dysmenorrhea Prevalence: 91.2% of respondents experience dysmenorrhea, with 78.3% suffering from it every month.
Severity & Duration: Nearly 80% experience moderate to severe pain, and over 56% endure it for more than four hours.
Academic Impact: 67.5% struggle to concentrate, while 23.6% are unable to attend class due to pain.
Medical Certificate Awareness: 68.2% were unaware of the requirement for dysmenorrhea-related absences.
Opinion on the Medical Certificate Requirement: 81.6% believe it should be removed.
Support for the Policy: 89.7% support the removal of the medical certificate requirement.
Key Takeaways:
- Dysmenorrhea is a widespread issue affecting students' academic performance.
The medical certificate requirement for each episode is definitely burdensome.
III. Proposed Solutions
To address the unnecessary hassle brought to students with dysmenorrhea, this policy is adopted to excuse students from any academic requirements (including NSTP) during a single-day painful episode. This approach will ensure that students with severe dysmenorrhea no longer need to repeatedly acquire a medical certificate for each absence, thereby reducing stress, economic costs, and logistical problems.
This policy presents a balanced measure by:
- Promoting Medical Accountability – Students with chronic dysmenorrhea has one peak day of pain during their period. Therefore, they may be excused from any academic requirements for one day without the need for medical documentation. However, if a student wishes to be excused for more than one day, a medical certificate shall be required, as prolonged pain may indicate underlying conditions.
- Avoiding Exploitation – Students can only be accommodated by this policy for a single day per month.
- Creating an Inclusive Academic Environment – The university acknowledges menstrual health as a valid medical concern and provides necessary accommodations without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.
By implementing this streamlined and accountable system, the university demonstrates a commitment to student well-being, gender inclusivity, and equitable academic support.
IV. Implementation Plan
Section 1. Policy Orientation for students during the Council Assembly
During the council student assembly, this policy shall be presented to the student body.
Section 2. Student Accountability and Integrity
A. If a student availing of this policy is found, with sufficient evidence (e.g. pictures, videos taken on the day of excuse), to be abusing the accommodation—such as engaging in leisure activities like partying or going out instead of resting—the privilege shall be revoked. In such cases, any granted considerations, including special quizzes, performance tasks, or excused absences, shall be rendered null and void.
B.If a student is found or reported, with sufficient evidence, to be misusing the accommodations under this policy—such as excusing themselves from academic requirements without experiencing the stated painful episodes, and instead using the period to study or avoid unpreparedness—such acts shall be deemed as academic dishonesty. The corresponding sanctions shall be equivalent to the existing penalties for academic dishonesty as prescribed by the institution.
Section 3. Compliance and Implementation
The faculty members shall not impose sanctions or demand additional evidence for absences due to the condition. The university administration shall make sure that this policy is effectively communicated and enforced according to its mission of student welfare and inclusiveness.
Section 4. Area of Effectivity
This policy will be effective to the entire VSU system. Students who are accommodated shall be marked as “excused” from any academic requirements conducted on the same day and shall be granted special quizzes, performance tasks, or exams if, at any time, their schedules coincide with quizzes and any graded assessments.
V. Safety nets to avoid abuse:
- The students can only be accommodated once every month.
- The orientation will include tips from professionals on how to prevent and aid severe. pain.
- Any forms of abused may be reported with sufficient and justifiable evidences by:
Faculties, staff, or fellow students to any concerned instructor. - Prolonged absences or any absences for two days or more will require medical certificates for any prolonged and abnormal episode may be an indication of an underlying serious medical conditions
VI. Conclusion
This Policy is a positive move towards a more empathetic and supportive learning environment for chronically dysmenorrheal students. By providing one-day per month of excuse, the policy avoids unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining medical accountability. The student consensus at the university level, as shown in survey results, favors the reform measures to mitigate stress, financial difficulties, and academic loss due to the current medical certificate policy.
Implementing such a policy demonstrates the gravity with which the university takes the issue of safeguarding student welfare, being gender-sensitive, and providing equal opportunities in education. With the effective management of absences while infusing monitoring mechanisms into it, abuse could be prevented while incentivizing only those medical needs of deserving students. All along, this policy is visionary policy reform aimed at promoting health and scholarship and transforming Visayas State University into a model hub of student-centered policy transformation
VII. Appendices
This Policy is a major motivator driving a range of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through providing equality, good health, and inclusive education. Specifically, it aligns with:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Ensures students with chronic menstrual pain are adequately assisted without any undue hindrances. Recognizes menstrual health as integral to overall health.
- SDG 4: Quality Education
Reduces educational interruptions due to dysmenorrhea by offering excused absences. Shields students from punishment for a normal condition of health, and therefore asserts equal opportunity to learn.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
Identifies menstrual health as a gender concern and ensures an inclusive education environment. Eradicates inequalities in education based on gender by addressing health needs that fundamentally focus on women and people who menstruate.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Supports nondiscriminatory policies that do not discriminate against students with chronic menstrual pain. Gives students, regardless of their medical conditions, equal access to education without bureaucratic hindrances.
By implementing this policy, Visayas State University reiterates its commitment to these global goals, fostering a more inclusive and caring learning environment.
