Attendance Flexibility Accommodation

Goal

The goal of this accommodation is to ensure a student isn’t penalized when they have an exacerbation of their disability, providing it doesn’t conflict with the fundamental attendance requirements of the course.

This accommodation is appropriate when a student has a chronic disabling physical or mental condition that can be unpredictable. The student’s condition is managed; however, there are periodic flare-ups that may impact course attendance. This accommodation is specifically designed to build in a minor amount of flexibility to address the brief medical/health impact around attendance (including test dates).

Expectations for All

Providing a small amount of flexibility for an unexpected flare-up of disability-related symptoms should not fundamentally alter requirements for course engagement. In the sentiment of providing a small amount of flexibility for an occasional need, this would typically not span beyond a 25% absence rate (for example, if the class meets: 1x/week = 3 absences, 2x/week = 7, 3x/week = 11). We recognize instructors develop their own attendance policies; this accommodation would defer to the most flexible policy. Should the instructor believe this accommodation fundamentally alters the course requirements, or the student requires a higher level of flexibility, the student and/or the instructor should contact Disability Services to explore further options.

For clarification purposes:

  • In-class exams and other in-class work classifies as attendance. All missed work is always expected to be made up by the student as soon as possible. Exams should most often be made-up within 48 hours or less.
  • This accommodation is only activated upon the receipt of the semester Accommodation Letter.
  • This accommodation does not apply retroactively and without communication from the student.
  • Due to features of some disabilities, the student may be unable to communicate prior to the deadline or class session and are expected to communicate as soon as they are able.

Possible Exceptions

The Attendance Flexibility accommodation may not apply to some classes where attendance is an essential requirement. Examples where attendance MIGHT be an essential requirement for a class are:

  • Classes where grade/learning is dependent on in-person discussion/participation.
  • Classes with in-person requirements (group work, lab work, clinical work, etc.).
  • Classes with an out-of-classroom experience that cannot be recreated.

If there is a disagreement or questions regarding timeliness being an essential requirement for an assignment, the student or instructor should reach out to the Disability Services office to discuss.

Student Responsibilities

  • Submit Semester Requests at the start of every semester and communicate with instructors via email or office hours for coordination of accommodations.
  • Reach out to Disability Services as soon as possible to discuss any concerns that arise in implementing this accommodation for any course and/or with any instructor.
  • Communicate with the instructor via email as soon as possible (ideally prior to class) when the accommodation is needed and a plan for any missed work.
  • Understand this accommodation is not designed to support a substantial number of missed classes or lengthy delays in taking an exam for reasons beyond brief, periodic flare-ups. Typically, exams are expected to be made up within 48 hours of the test date.
  • Maintain responsibility for completing all course-related materials and meeting all essential requirements of courses, program of study, and the University.
  • Understand that this accommodation is intended to provide access to the course curriculum and to opt-in to academic expectations.
  • Understand the use of this accommodation is only for disability-related needs; not other extenuating circumstances such as work, illnesses like the flu, etc.
  • Should the student require a higher level of flexibility or have other concerns regarding this accommodation, the student will contact Disability Services to revisit this accommodation and explore options.

DS Office Responsibilities

  • Upon student request, send semester Accommodation Letters to instructors.
  • As necessary, the DS office will provide consultation (instructor, student, department, etc.) for the following:
    • Should a student request DS office involvement.
    • Should an instructor have concerns about compromising essential elements of instruction and/or whether this accommodation fundamentally alters the course requirements.
    • Should the student require a higher level of flexibility.
    • Should there be a disagreement at any time in the semester.
  • As needed the DS office will make the determination on what is reasonable through an interactive process.

Instructor Responsibilities

  • Understand that students approved for this accommodation have met with Disability Services and provided adequate documentation necessitating the need for this accommodation.
  • Understand this accommodation is not designed to support a substantial number of missed classes or lengthy delays in taking an exam. Typically, exams are expected to be made up within 48 hours of the test date.
  • Implement the accommodation when the student communicates their need and communicate directly with the student regarding any logistical components.
  • Review the syllabus and email both the student and the DS email if specific class meetings are essential for the course and cannot be made up. In these instances, this accommodation may not be applicable.
  • Understand that accommodations are not afforded retroactively from receipt date of the letter.
  • Communicate with DS staff if any concerns arise regarding the accommodation, implementation, or students.
  • Should the syllabus state a more flexible policy than as stated in this accommodation, instructors will defer to the more flexible option.