Deadlines and Attendance Flexibility Guidelines

Purdue University's Disability Resource Center (DRC) understands the importance for all students to attend classes, especially when it is tied to the essential outcomes of the class. However, some students may have a disability that impacts their ability to attend every class, and thus may need some limited flexibility with attendance.

If a student is approved for a Limited Flexibility accommodation, instructors will receive information on the Course Accommodation Letter (CAL) about a default application of the accommodation as well as information on how to create a more individualized flexibility plan (if required).  These accommodations are replacing modified attendance and deadline extensions. 

Limited Attendance Flexibility

• When a disability-related absence occurs, a student is expected to inform the instructor in advance, if possible. If this is not possible, the student will need to inform the instructor as close to the absence as possible. Students should plan to email their instructors about their absence, and are strongly encouraged to include their DRC Access Consultant in this notification. 
• Other types of absences related to Purdue’s Excused Absence Policy are not to be included in the total number of absences related to this accommodation.
• If the maximum number of absences allowed through this accommodation is exceeded, the student should be referred to their academic advisor to potentially discuss a drop, withdrawal, late withdrawal, or retaking the course.
• When a student is absent due to their disability, they are responsible for the course content, lecture notes, and information presented that day. The student needs to arrange how they will obtain this information.
• As documentation of the student’s condition is on file with the Disability Resource Center, the student will not be required to provide documentation to the instructor if they are utilizing a disability-related absence. 

Default Attendance Flexibility Plan

• Application for Different Assessment Types
  
  • Attendance if graded, 50% additional excused absences
  • Participation: if graded, Asynchronous opportunity to make up points, e.g. written contribution, reading summary
  • Quizzes/Exams: if date specific, makeup opportunity within 1 week
  • Deadlines: extend assignment deadline up to 3 days if due during an absence

• If an instructor receives a Course Accommodation Letter with this accommodation, the instructor will log into DRC Instructor Portal to approve or request an alternative for this plan.
• In most situations, this approval/request will only need to be done one (1) time per class section.
• If there are concerns, the instructor must engage with DRC staff to determine a more appropriate plan. If this is not completed, the instructor is responsible for upholding the Default Attendance Flexibility Plan.
• Students still have the right to request additional flexibility, and if a request is made the DRC will reach out to the instructor to discuss a more individualized plan (if reasonable). 

Limited Deadline Flexibility

• If a student needs to utilize a deadline extension through the Limited Deadline Flexibility accommodation, they must inform the instructor in advance of the deadline. Students should plan to email their instructors, and are strongly encouraged to include their DRC Access Consultant in this notification. 
• If the maximum number of deadline extensions allowed through this accommodation is exceeded, the student should be referred to their Access Consultant. 
• As documentation of the student’s condition is on file with the Disability Resource Center, the student will not be required to provide documentation to the instructor if they are utilizing a deadline extension request. 
• This accommodation does not apply to group work. 

Default Deadline Flexibility Plan

• Application for Different Assessment Types
  • Shorter Assignments: (i.e. homework's, discussion posts, etc.) two extensions/semester. Each extension up to 48 hours.
  • Larger Assignments: (i.e. cumulative projects or papers, etc.) one extension/semester. Up to 72 hours.
• If an instructor receives a Course Accommodation Letter with this accommodation, the instructor will log into DRC Instructor Portal to approve or request an alternative for this plan.
• In most situations, this approval/request will only need to be done one (1) time per class section.
• If there are concerns, the instructor must engage with DRC staff to determine a more appropriate plan. If this is not completed, the instructor is responsible for upholding the Default Deadline Flexibility Plan.
• Students still have the right to request additional flexibility, and if a request is made the DRC will reach out to the instructor to discuss a more individualized plan (if reasonable). 

Any questions or concerns regarding the implementation of either of these accommodations should be directed to the DRC immediately.