For students with chronic conditions that are episodic in nature, there may be times when they are unable to attend class due to their health. This accommodation ensures that students with disabilities are not unfairly penalized for absences caused by disability-related exacerbations, which may be unpredictable despite careful health and time management.

This accommodation is designed for students whose chronic or episodic disability-related experiences, such as concussions, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune diseases, migraines, cancer, or psychological disorders, necessitate occasional absences. Attendance flexibility ensures that these students are not penalized if absences do not compromise the essential elements of the class.

• Students may be allowed one additional absence beyond the stated attendance policy without penalty.
• Students must notify their instructor prior to using this accommodation.
• If additional flexibility is needed, students must contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to evaluate and negotiate additional accommodations with the instructor based on course specifics. An agreement outlining expectations may be created when appropriate.

The suitability of this accommodation must be determined on a course-by-course basis, taking into account the specific learning goals and teaching methods of the class. While attendance policies contribute to student success and learning, adjustments should be made to accommodate disability-related needs, provided these do not compromise the integrity of the course.

Instructors should consult SAS if they believe additional absences would fundamentally alter the course. SAS uses the following criteria to guide this evaluation:

• Course Design and Policies:
  • What does the syllabus state about attendance?
  • Is attendance factored into the final grade?
  • Are attendance exceptions already provided (e.g., for athletics, religious observances)?
• Classroom Dynamics:
  • Does the course rely heavily on student interaction (e.g., discussions, presentations, group work)?
  • Does missing a class compromise the learning of other students?
• Learning Process:
  • Is the material sequentially taught, where each session builds on the previous one?
  • Can students reasonably "work ahead" or make up for missed participation?

OAS Responsibilities:

• Review documentation and meet with students to assess their need for attendance flexibility.
• Provide consultation to instructors about the reasonableness of accommodations.
• Mediate any concerns regarding attendance flexibility and ensure compliance with university policies.

Faculty Responsibilities:

• Allow one additional absence beyond the stated attendance policy without penalty.
• Respond promptly to student requests for accommodations.
• Engage in good faith discussions with students and SAS to determine reasonable adjustments when additional absences are requested.
• Never deny accommodations unilaterally; instead, consult SAS if accommodations seem unreasonable.

Student Responsibilities:

• Request accommodation letters through the myACCESS portal and share them with instructors early in the semester.
• Notify instructors as soon as possible when an absence related to their disability occurs.
• Understand the attendance policies for each class and how their accommodations apply.
• Take responsibility for obtaining class content and notes missed during an absence.