Flexible attendance is appropriate for students with chronic physical or behavioral health conditions who experience brief, acute episodes that impact course attendance and assignments on occasion. The accommodation builds in a limited amount of flexibility to address the impact of random, periodic health flares that interfere with course activities. The accommodation is not appropriate to comprehensively address or fully support ongoing absences or the inability to participate for extended periods.
Students who are approved for this accommodation will have “Flexible attendance and deadlines” or “Extensions on coursework” listed on their accommodation letter. Instructors are encouraged to meet with the student to discuss how the accommodation will be provided.
ODS recommends the accommodation be implemented as follows, based on best practice guidance:
- Absences – twice the number of absences permitted for other students
- Missed exams – make up within 1 week
- Missed assignments / extensions – submit within 48 hours
Instructors who are seeking more stringent parameters than those listed above must consult with ODS in order to ensure equal access is provided, and must also complete the Class Instruction Form indicating the parameters agreed upon.
To learn more about student responsibilities, please visit Attendance Modification Responsibilities for Students.
When do I need to complete the Class Instruction Form (Attendance Agreement)?
If you are are seeking more stringent parameters than those recommended by ODS, complete the Class Instruction Form and upload the course syllabus to the ODS Online Portal as soon as possible. The Class Instruction Form is your opportunity to indicate the parameters you believe to be more appropriate.
ODS staff will review the Class Instruction Form and communicate with you regarding approval or suggested changes.
Once the Class Instruction Form is finalized, please provide the student with a copy.
How do I access the Class Instruction Form (Attendance Agreement)?
The Class Instruction Form is accessed from within the ODS Online Portal.
Once you are signed in, you will see a section titled Handy Tools at the top of the Overview page. Select your class from the drop down menu and click Submit. You will be directed to the Class Instruction Form where you can upload the syllabus and indicate your preferred parameters related to absences, missed exams, presentations, participation points, and assignments. Once completed, select Submit form.
Note: The Class Instruction Form applies to any student in the course with an attendance modification. Please do not use specific student names when completing this form.”
ODS’ recommendation is not appropriate for my course. What should I do?
If you are seeking more stringent parameters than those recommended by ODS, complete the Class Instruction Form and upload the course syllabus to the ODS Online Portal as soon as possible. The Class Instruction Form is your opportunity to indicate the parameters you believe to be more appropriate.
ODS staff will review the Class Instruction Form and communicate with you regarding approval or suggested changes.
Once the Class Instruction Form is finalized, please provide the student with a copy.
How do I accommodate missed participation points, presentation, labs, clinical hours, etc.?
Please see the examples below, and contact ODS if you need to discuss specific requirements of your course.
1. Presentations
Class presentations occur over multiple days. If flare-up occurs on student’s presentation day, student will present during the following class period.
Student can schedule a make-up presentation 1-on-1 with instructor during office hours.
2. Projects
Requirements for Blackboard group discussions need to be completed within the timeframe allotted to the class, as learning can only take place during the times when the conversation is active.
Group projects can be modified to an individual project, if needed.
Student is responsible for coordinating with group members to schedule time to make-up group work missed due to a flare-up.
3. Labs
There are multiple labs throughout the week, so student can attend a different lab section during the same week that covers the same material.
Missed labs need to be made up within two weeks. Student will contact instructor to schedule make-up.
This course has two designated class periods in which student can make-up work. If necessary, student can request one additional lab time for make-up work.
4. Participation Points
Student can submit notes, taken from PowerPoint slides posted on Blackboard, to receive participation points for class periods missed.
When absent, student will email instructor with questions or comments on course material to be discussed that day.
Student can meet with instructor during office hours to make-up participation points.
Student will take an active role in class discussions (when they are able to attend class) to gain participation points. Student will not be penalized for missing participation when absent.
5. Experiential Activities and Internship or Clinical Requirements
Within the four-week period leading up to a performance, student can miss up to two classes.
Student can miss one additional studio practice during the semester. Any additional absences will result in student not participating in course recital.
Internship period will be extended two additional weeks to allow for reduced number of internship hours per week.
