Temporary Injuries and Accommodations

Students with temporary injuries may request temporary accommodations from the Center for Student Success. While these conditions do not necessarily rise to the level of a disability, CSS may work with the student to consider accommodations on a temporary basis in order to ensure academic access. Examples of temporary illnesses and injuries include: 

• Concussions
• Broken or sprained limbs
• Recovery from significant surgery

If you have experienced a temporary injury that will impact your academics for longer than two or three days, you are encouraged to make an appointment with our ADA Coordinator here to talk through the best way to navigate these absences. Virtual appointments are available by request.

Documentation Required

To establish eligibility for temporary accommodations, you must be prepared to share medical documentation from the diagnosing physician, ER physician, or qualified professional practicing in the area in which the disabling condition is diagnosed. 

If you are an athlete, documentation for a concussion from your athletic trainer is often sufficient.  You may ask for the trainer to directly contact the ADA Coordinator. If you are not an athlete, you may visit Priesthill Health Services, and ask them to directly contact the ADA Coordinator. 

Documentation should include:

1. A clear statement describing the injury
2. A summary of symptoms related to the diagnosis
3. A description of the functional limitations caused by the injury
4. A prognosis of the length of time the accommodations may be necessary
5. Signature by the diagnosing physician or other qualified professional

Student Responsibilities

1. The student should work with their professor to discuss a plan to complete their required coursework and how they would like to implement the temporary accommodations.
2. The student may schedule their make-up quizzes or exams through the testing center and should fill out a Testing Center Request Form as soon as you are aware of when you might take the test and have cleared it with your professor. 

Updated documentation will be required if the student needs an extension beyond the approved time frame for their accommodations which are typically two weeks for temporary injuries.

Short-term illness

Classroom accommodations are not typically needed for short-term illnesses, such as the flu, sinus infection, mononucleosis, or strep throat. The primary academic impact of these illnesses are absences. As such, they are not accommodated through the Disability and Accessibility Services side of our office. Students with such short-term illnesses should seek treatment from their healthcare provider or Priesthill Health Services as soon as possible, and communicate with their professors about any potential academic impact resulting from the illness. If you fall behind in your academic work, our office is happy to help support you through academic coaching.

Request for Academic Absence Notification

Students who are unable to attend class due to emergencies or extenuating circumstances (e.g., serious illness, hospitalization, family emergency, bereavement, military service, or other personal crises) are encouraged to notify their instructors as soon as possible. When a student is unable to contact instructors directly, or when instructors request additional documentation, the Center for Student Success can assist by sending an Absence Notification to professors on the student’s behalf.

Purpose of an Absence Notification

An Absence Notification is not an official excused absence from class. It serves to:

• Inform instructors of the circumstances surrounding a student’s absence.
• Request that instructors work with the student to address missed coursework when appropriate.
• Allow our office to support you through face to face meetings with a coach if needed.

Final decisions regarding excused absences, make-up work, or grading adjustments remain at the discretion of each instructor.

How to Request an Absence Notification

To request that an absence notification be sent, please complete the Absence Notification Form.

Notifications are written using general, discreet language to protect student privacy. After a notification is sent, students should follow up with their professors to discuss plans for making up coursework and assignments.

If a student is struggling with a chronic or ongoing medical issue, they should contact the ADA Coordinator for further accommodations.