For those students who experience unpredictable or cyclical acute episodes, DSS acknowledges that there may need to be accommodations made regarding flexibility on deadlines. However, this accommodation will be applied on a case-by-case basis, where the student must request an extension, if needed. This accommodation is intended to support occasional extensions for disability-related reasons.
In general, assignments are listed on the syllabus, and students are made aware well in advance. Students are responsible for planning accordingly to meet those deadlines. In the event of unexpected and/or exacerbated disability-related symptoms, students with consideration for extensions on assignments must contact their faculty prior to the due date to request the needed extension. Extensions are applied based on the due-date, not once symptoms mitigate. Extensions are not to be requested due to personal matters or illnesses, not related to the student’s disability.
Students are encouraged to work with faculty to establish a clear and shared understanding of how extensions may impact a student’s ability to meet course requirements. Extensions may not be possible in certain classes as the work is scaffolded (extending deadlines may put the student at a disadvantage) or impacts other students in the class (i.e., group work assignments). For these reasons, DSS advises that students who may need to request extensions speak to their faculty early in the semester to discuss the feasibility of this accommodation in the class. If students would like DSS to contact their faculty to disclose their disability and how it may impact their attendance, they will need to sign a release of information form.
Important Notes:
- Accommodations are not retroactive. Faculty are not expected to make exceptions for missed deadlines when an extension was not requested in advance.
- Students are expected to request an extension from faculty in advance of the due date, or as soon as possible in the case of any emergencies.
- The faculty will determine if an extension request is possible given the nature of their course. For this reason, students are encouraged to speak to faculty early in the semester before a need arises to request an extension.
- Accommodations for extensions are to be made assignment-by-assignment and are intended to support a limited number of requests. Students who believe they will have on-going challenges to meet deadlines should speak with DSS to discuss alternative accommodations such as a reduced course load, priority registration to create a balanced schedule, or improved study skills from the Katz Family Learning Skills Program.
- Extensions are not to be requested based on the need to study for other exams, completing other assignments, employment, or other personal obligations.