Faculty Resources

Attendance & Extensions Accommodations

Attendance

If a student is approved for an ADA Accommodation related to class attendance, it is because their disability will impact their overall attendance throughout the course of the semester. Attendance accommodations are highly contextual and course-specific, so the following guidelines have been developed to promote clarity and a smooth application of such accommodations:

Student and faculty are encouraged to collaborate and meet about how this accommodation will be applied in their course. LAS is happy to be a part of those conversations and may be invited to participate by either the student or faculty, as needed.
Student will inform faculty when attendance accommodation needs to be used. No personal disability or health related information needs to be shared. Student can simply state, “I need to use my attendance accommodation for class today.” Faculty should not ask student to present medical/health documentation when an accommodation has already been approved.
If student is not comfortable speaking directly to faculty to inform them of their absence, they may reach out to LAS to act as a liaison.
If a student is seeking an attendance accommodation after they have already had multiple absences due to disability, it is important to know that accommodations are not applied retroactively.
Professor and student are encouraged to consider the total number of absences from the semester when assessing the student’s ability to meet course requirements.
An attendance accommodation does not mean that a student can miss as many classes as they need; even with the application of an accommodation for attendance, the student may not be able to meet course requirements given the amount of in-class time they have missed. Again, this is very course-specific.

Extensions on Assignments

If a student is approved for an ADA Accommodation related to extensions on assignments, it is because their disability will occasionally impact their ability to complete assignments on time. This accommodation is typically approved in cases where a student’s disability may flare-up unpredictably throughout the semester. Extensions on assignments accommodations are highly contextual and assignment-specific, so the following guidelines have been developed to promote clarity and a smooth application of such accommodations:

This accommodation is not applicable in cases where the late assignment is due to negligence or poor planning on the part of the student.
Extensions and new due dates for assignments should be determined through a collaboration between the student and professor with as much advance notice as possible (ideally a week or more). Some assignments may not be able to be extended.
Student is encouraged to initiate this communication by informing a professor that they need to utilize their accommodation for extensions on assignments and seeking an agreement on a new due date. Professor can also initiate this communication. LAS is available to liaise by request of student or professor.
Professor and student may reach out to LAS in cases where it is unclear what that extension should be or if other guidance is needed.
If an accommodation for extensions results in assignments being turned in after the end of the semester, student would need to seek an Incomplete through the Registrar’s process prior to end of the semester.

Definition of Disability under the ADAAA (2008)

A disability is an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.

Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
Major Bodily Functions include, but are not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

Accommodation Information (General)

An accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, activity or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefit and privilege as are available to a similarly-situated student without the disability. A reasonable accommodation does not include fundamentally altering the nature of an instructional program and is always provided on an individualized basis.

If a student is eligible for accommodations through the Learning and Accessibility Services Office, you will receive official notification by e-mail with an attached accommodations letter. If a student requests an accommodation and you have not received notification, please encourage the student to contact the LAS Office.

Students are requested to provide 72 hours notice and for testing or other accommodations that require advanced planning. If a student does not give proper notice, attempt to accommodate him or her but know you will not be held responsible if you are unable to provide the accommodation.

Faculty members play an integral role in supporting our students with disabilities. If a student in your class is struggling and you suspect he or she may require academic support or accommodations, please feel free to make referrals to Learning and Accessibility Services using las@wheaton.edu or guiding the student to our website to make an appointment.

Please don't hesitate to contact Learning and Accessibility Services with any questions regarding implementing accommodations.

Thank you for your partnership!

Information for Faculty