Temporary Academic Accommodations

Students experiencing a short-term medical condition, injury, or recovery period that temporarily impacts academic functioning may be eligible for temporary academic accommodations through Disability Support Services (DSS).

Temporary accommodations are designed to provide short-term support and access during a defined recovery period. These accommodations are individualized and based on the nature of the condition, supporting medical documentation, and the functional impact on the student’s academic participation.

Examples of conditions that may qualify include, but are not limited to:

  • Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones or mobility-related injuries
  • Recovery from surgery
  • Temporary medical conditions resulting in significant functional limitations
  • Other short-term impairments that substantially impact academic participation during recovery

What Temporary Accommodations May Include

Depending on the documented impact of the condition, temporary accommodations may include:

  • Extended testing time
  • Flexibility with assignment deadlines when appropriate
  • Note-taking assistance or access to lecture materials
  • Temporary classroom access adjustments
  • Use of assistive technology or alternate formats
  • Reduced writing or typing demands when medically necessary

Accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis and are generally provided for a limited duration consistent with medical provider recommendations.

What Temporary Accommodations Are Not

Temporary accommodations are not intended to:

  • Alter essential academic or technical standards of a course or program
  • Excuse students from course participation requirements indefinitely
  • Replace communication with professors regarding missed work or class attendance
  • Cover routine or short-term illnesses that do not substantially impact academic functioning
    • Please note that routine illnesses, minor medical concerns, or brief procedures that do not substantially impact academic functioning are not typically considered eligible for temporary accommodations under this process.
    • Students experiencing these short-term illnesses or minor impacts are generally encouraged to communicate directly with their professors regarding absences, missed coursework, or make-up opportunities in accordance with course policies.
    • Students who are unsure whether their condition or situation may qualify for temporary accommodations are encouraged to contact DSS to discuss their circumstances and determine whether this process may be appropriate.

How to Request Temporary Accommodations

Students requesting temporary academic accommodations should contact DSS as soon as possible and submit:

  • A completed DSS accommodation intake form
  • Current medical documentation from a qualified provider that includes:
    • The nature of the condition, injury, and/or surgery
    • The expected duration of the condition, injury, surgery, etc., impact and/or recovery timeline
    • The functional academic impact
    • Recommended accommodations, if applicable

Documentation should clearly explain how the condition temporarily limits academic functioning.

Submission of documentation does not automatically guarantee approval of accommodation.

DSS will review each request through an individualized, interactive process and will typically meet briefly with the student to discuss the condition, functional impacts, and potential accommodations before making a determination.

Important Notes

  • Temporary accommodations are typically approved for a defined period and may expire automatically at the end of the approved timeframe.
  • Additional or updated documentation may be required if the condition continues beyond the anticipated recovery period.
  • Students with longer-term or ongoing conditions may be referred through the standard DSS accommodation process for continued support.