Flexibility Accommodations

If a student has a disability that is episodic or cyclical in nature, where acute symptoms flare and impact the student’s ability to attend class or submit an assignment on time, or where treatment and hospitalization may be required, the Office of Accessible Education may determine that a student is eligible for a flexibility accommodation. Flexibility Accommodations include Flexible Deadlines and Flexible Attendance and if eligibility for a flexible accommodation is established, it must then be determined if and how this accommodation will be implemented in each individual course.  

Flexible Attendance and Flexible Deadlines are intended to remove barriers to access and help provide an alternative way for a student to complete essential course requirements. However, these accommodations may not change or lower the essential learning objectives of a course. In some instances, timely submission of assignments or course attendance may be fundamental to the course learning objectives, and therefore, these accommodations will not be appropriate.

Please note that these accommodations are designed to specifically address the impact of a brief, periodic health or medical experience that interferes with the student’s ability to submit an assignment on time or attend a class meeting. In some cases, after course analysis, reasonable adjustments may not be possible and the student’s final grade may be impacted should the student choose to stay in the course. Other options, such as a course withdrawal or a medical leave of absence, may need to be discussed in certain situations. Responsibility for completing all class work is always in effect.

To determine course compatibility, consider: How vital are instructor and peer interactions? Does missing class prevent meeting learning objectives or cause significant educational loss? Are there alternative ways to catch up?

Additionally, review: How does the syllabus weigh attendance and absences? What are the essential requirements and late work deadlines? Is the material sequential, or does the course rely fundamentally on timely submissions?

Individual assessment of each course is necessary in order to determine if and how this accommodation will be implemented and as  part of the accommodation process, a student who is approved for a Flexibility Accommodation (i.e. Flexibility with Deadlines, Flexibility with Attendance) is encouraged to work with their faculty member for each course to complete the relevant Flexibility Agreement form. 

Attendance Agreement Form

Deadline Agreement Form

Instructor Responsibilities

Once an instructor receives a notification letter from the Office of Accessible Education indicating that a student is eligible for the accommodation of flexibility with deadlines, the instructor is responsible for the following:

Student Responsibilities

If the Office of Accessible Education has determined that a student is eligible for the accommodation of flexibility with deadlines, the student is responsible for the following:

  • Notify instructors of accommodation eligibility via AIM.
  • Schedule a meeting with the instructor to complete the Deadline Agreement Form at the beginning of each semester.   
  • Submit the signed form to the Office of Accessible Education before the last day to add a course.
  • Maintain regular communication with your instructor throughout the semester as outlined in the completed agreement form.
  • Consult with the Office of Accessible Education with any questions or concerns as soon as they arise.

Important Notes

  • Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.
  • Most courses will have limitations on absences, or  to late coursework that, once exceeded, make it impossible to meet the learning objectives.
  • If flexibility is required affecting a final assignment, students should discuss options with their instructor, which may include a course deferral.