Attendance Accommodation

The following language is only relevant to students who receive an Attendance Accommodation in their Faculty Notification Letter.

Some students may need to miss class as a result of difficulties related to a disability. If it is not possible to allow the student to miss class because attendance is an essential element of the course or if a student’s absences are too numerous, please contact the student’s Disability Specialist as soon as possible.

The student receiving this accommodation acknowledges that:

• It is in the student’s best interest to meet with their instructors during the first week of the semester to discuss this accommodation.
• The student should familiarize themselves with each individual course attendance policy as stated by the instructor or in the class syllabus and let ODS know if they believe that they cannot meet the attendance expectations.
• Students are expected to be present for all scheduled class times unless unable to attend due to an exacerbation of the symptoms of their disability.
• All students, including students with an Attendance Accommodation, must meet the fundamental objectives and essential requirements of the class in order to successfully complete the course.
• Students are expected to inform faculty and other affected parties (i.e. clinical supervisor, field instructor, Disability Specialist, etc.) when they miss class due to their disability.
• It is the student’s responsibility to work with faculty to determine how best to compensate for any missed classes/course work.
• There may be limits on the amount of time which assignments can be completed. Often this is based on the complexity and type of course.

7 QUESTIONS TO WHETHER ATTENDANCE OR EXTENSIONS ARE A FUNDAMENTAL ALTERATION IN A COURSE

• Is there classroom interaction between the instructor and student, and among students?
• Do student contributions constitute a significant portion of the learning process?
• Does the fundamental nature of the course rely upon student participation as an essential method for learning?
• To what degree does a student’s failure to attend or meet the deadline constitute a significant loss to the educational experience of other student’s in the class?
• What does the course description and syllabus state?
• What method is used to calculate the final grade?
• What are the classroom practices and policies regarding attendance and deadlines?

Definition of Fundamental Alteration Under the ADA

Fundamental alteration – A modification that is so significant that it alters the essential nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations offered. If a public entity can demonstrate that the modification would fundamentally alter the nature of its service, program, or activity, it is not required to make the modification. If a public accommodation (private entity) can demonstrate that a modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations it provides, it is not required to make the modification.

FACULTY NOTIFICATION - ATTENDANCE ACCOMMODATION LANGUAGE

FIRSTNAME has an attendance Accommodation for this semester. Please review the Attendance Accommodation Guidelines with your student and discuss how this important accommodation will be implemented.

FIRSTNAME has a chronic condition and may have occasional flare-ups of symptoms. During these times, your student MAY not be able to attend class. Please allow this student to make up quizzes, tests, and assignments missed during these periods without penalty. Your student may also require modification to your attendance policy.

FIRSTNAME is aware that it is the student's responsibility to keep you informed if it is necessary to miss time due to disability related issues.

Please note, if the nature of the course is highly participatory this accommodation may have limited applicability. If you are concerned that this accommodation may create a fundamental alteration to your course, please contact ODS asap to review and confirm the parameters of the accommodation. This will allow us to make sure the student is aware of any limitations.