Assignment Extension Accommodation: Expectations and Guidance

 

Assignment Extension Expectations:

This accommodation is designed to address and support a student who may need occasional coursework extensions due to unexpected exacerbation of chronic, physical, mental, or other disability symptoms during a semester for a documented and accommodated disability, as registered with DSS.

 

This accommodation is not designed or intended to provide unlimited extension time on work.

  • A student with this assigned accommodation has been provided a reasonable extension timeframe based on their disability and its impact; this is listed on the student’s accommodation letter.

Importantly, this accommodation does not afford a student “blanket” extension for coursework; it does not automatically apply to all assignments and coursework.

  • If a student is experiencing symptoms of their disability that will impact their ability to submit an assignment by the stated deadline in class, the student must contact the professor to indicate their need to use their extension accommodation according to the timeframe listed on their accommodation letter.
    • The student should do this prior to the assignment deadline unless a medical emergency prevents such communication.
  • The student is then responsible for submitting the assignment according to the extension period.
    • If the student fails to submit the assignment according to the disability-related extension period, the instructor’s class policy on late work (e.g., 10-point grade deduction for each day late; no late work accepted, etc.) will apply.
    • Professors may exercise additional flexibility beyond the extension timeframe assigned by DSS; this is at each professor’s discretion.

 

If a student has a significant number of missed assignments that exceed the extension accommodation timeframe, reasonable adjustments may not be possible, and the student’s final grade may be impacted should the student choose to stay in the course. The student may also need to consider a course withdrawal. The pacing of the course may impact makeup options related to extension.

 

Guidance:

Review and discuss your accommodation letter with your professor as soon as the semester begins and/or as soon as you register with DSS and receive your letter. Discuss any anticipated needs and/or barriers with your professors during the letter review meeting.

 

Important: do not wait until after you miss an assignment deadline to discuss barriers or needs with your professors.