Flexibility with Deadlines


Students are expected and encouraged to attend class and meet deadlines for assignments and tests.  Faculty have the right to establish attendance and late work policies.  However, if a student has a disability with random or cyclical acute episodes that may occasionally impact their ability to attend class and complete tests or assignments at the scheduled time, flexibility in attendance/assignments may be considered as an appropriate accommodation.  The number of approved absences and length of assignment extensions depends on the interactive or participatory nature of a course or is based on department, college or accrediting agency standards.  DAS has created guidelines for DAS students and faculty to help navigate this accommodation.

Process

  1. DAS determines if this accommodation is reasonable.  Our Accommodation Specialists explain to students that this does not mean that they can miss as many classes as they want.  In addition, the student is responsible for completing all coursework.
  2. For Flexibility with Attendance, DAS has a Flexibility with Attendance agreement form that has to be completed by the student and faculty member.  Any questions should be directed to DAS (404-727-9877).  The faculty member and student must sign and date the agreement to implement this accommodation.
  3. For Flexibility with Deadlines, the student and faculty must discuss a method that works for both parties to communicate when this accommodation is needed.  In addition, a timeframe has to be discussed as it relates to specific assignments (written or online). 
    Note:  DAS recommends that an extension does not go beyond 7 days.  This does not mean that you will be granted 7 days extension but this is a timeframe to determine what is appropriate based on each course.  A general rule to consider for determining a reasonable timeframe for makeup or postponement of an assignment is typically a minimum of 48 hours. 
  4. If the student has concerns or questions regarding what has been determined with faculty input, contact DAS to resolve these issues.  DAS staff will facilitate conversations between faculty and/or student.

Important Reminders

  • This accommodation is not a blanket reason to miss class.
  • Faculty are still responsible for this accommodation once the student presents the accommodation letter and engages in discussion about implementing for the course.
  • Some students register late in the term and some wait to share their accommodation letters.  In these instances, faculty are not expected to provide retroactive accommodations.
  • At no time is the student required to present the faculty member with medical documentation verifying their disability related need for this accommodation.

For Flexibility with Attendance

  • If absences meet or exceed 50% of those agreed upon, DAS should be informed.  This will allow DAS to be of assistance in answering questions about this accommodation from both the student and faculty member.
  • Absences that are not related to the effects of a disability are not included in this accommodation (i.e. absences due to common illness, life events, car trouble, etc.) and should be addressed according to the syllabus stated attendance/absence policy.  The student is responsible for following the faculty member’s syllabus regarding absences due to non-disability related issues.
  • An accommodation in attendance is not reasonable if regular attendance is essential to the course and/or curriculum
  • Faculty are not obligated to re-teach material missed due to not attending class.
  • Not every course component can be provided an extension.
  • Students have the responsibility for completing all class work and should be held to the same standard as all other students.

Flexibility with Attendance Agreement