ÃÛÌÒAPP

Students with chronic conditions that are episodic in nature may be eligible for attendance modifications as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The purpose of this accommodation is to ensure equitable access to course participation and to prevent students from being unfairly penalized for disability-related absences due to flare-ups or medical episodes.

Attendance modifications are considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Disability Services Office, taking into account the nature of the course and essential academic requirements.

When Attendance Modification May Not Be Reasonable

While attendance modification is a valid accommodation for some students, there are courses where it may not be reasonable due to the essential nature of in-class participation.

This may apply to classes where:

• Active participation or interaction is central to instruction,

• Experiential or discussion-based learning occurs in real time, or

• Student absences would negatively impact the learning experience of others.

In such cases, limited flexibility with attendance or participation requirements may be appropriate.

Instructors who believe attendance modification cannot be reasonably implemented due to the core objectives or pedagogy of their course must:

1. Consult with the Disability Services Office—instructors may not unilaterally deny an approved accommodation.

2. Clearly articulate how attendance is essential to course outcomes and why the accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the course.

Determining Whether Attendance Modification Would Constitute a Fundamental Alteration

Under the ADA and Section 504, academic requirements are not required to be modified if the modification would fundamentally alter the essential nature or objectives of a course.

Faculty are responsible for defining the essential academic requirements of their courses, including whether attendance and participation are integral to learning outcomes. Instructors may set a reasonable number of allowable absences based on these essential requirements.

• Attendance policies should be clearly stated in the course syllabus.

• If no policy is stated, students approved for attendance modification should follow the Attendance Modification Agreement as discussed with the instructor and Disability Services.

The following questions, developed by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), should be used to evaluate whether attendance is an essential requirement and if modification would constitute a fundamental alteration:

1. What is the stated attendance policy in the course description and syllabus?

2. How is the final grade calculated?

3. Is there significant interaction between instructor and students, or among students?

4. Are student contributions in class a key part of the learning process?

5. Is in-class participation an essential method of instruction in this course?

6. Would a student's absence significantly impact the learning experience of others?

If, after reviewing these questions, the instructor believes attendance modification would fundamentally alter the course, they must consult with the Disability Services Office before making a determination.

Faculty Responsibilities When Facilitating Attendance Modification

When a student is approved for an attendance modification accommodation, faculty are required to complete the Attendance Modification Agreement promptly—ideally within 48 hours of receiving notification from Disability Services (DS).

The completed form should be returned to Disability Services, who will then share it with the student.

If faculty have questions about how this accommodation aligns with the essential elements of the course or need support in determining what adjustments are reasonable, they are encouraged to consult with Disability Services. Faculty should not make unilateral decisions to deny or limit accommodations.

Attendance Modification Policy for Students

Students approved for attendance modification must follow the Attendance Modification Agreement established by the instructor for each course.

Key Expectations and Limitations

• Not Unlimited: This accommodation does not allow unlimited absences. The number of additional allowable absences is determined case-by-case, in consultation with the instructor, based on:

  • The nature of the course

  • The essential role of attendance in meeting course objectives

  • The impact of the student’s disability

• Not Retroactive: Accommodations apply only from the date of approval forward, unless an exception is made by Disability Services.

• Course Requirements Still Apply: Students must meet all academic requirements and will be held to the same grading and evaluation standards as outlined in the syllabus.

• Missed Exams/Deadlines Not Covered: This accommodation applies only to class attendance, not to missed tests, assignments, or deadlines. Students must follow standard procedures for extensions or make-up work.

• Responsibility for Missed Content: Students are responsible for obtaining notes, materials, and any missed content from peers or other available sources.

Communication Responsibilities

• Advance Notice Required: Students must notify instructors in advance or as soon as possible about anticipated or emergency absences, especially if an exam, quiz, or assignment is involved.

• Make-up Arrangements: For disability-related absences, students should work with instructors to discuss possible make-up work, when applicable.

• Non-Disability Absences Not Covered: Absences unrelated to the student’s disability (e.g., illness like the flu, travel, etc.) are not excused under this accommodation.

Academic Impact

Even with an approved accommodation, missed class time may affect academic performance due to missed instruction, discussion, or experiential learning. Students are encouraged to:

• Attend class whenever possible

• Stay on top of assignments and deadlines

• Communicate proactively with instructors

Additional Considerations for Attendance Modification

Some academic programs or courses may be less flexible in allowing attendance modifications due to the nature of their curriculum. In certain cases, no exceptions can be made without fundamentally altering essential course or program requirements.

Proactive Strategies to Minimize Attendance Challenges

Students are encouraged to consider the following strategies to help reduce the need for attendance-related accommodations:

• Reduced course load

• Balanced course schedules

• Time management and study skills support

Disability Services is available to assist students in exploring these strategies and addressing broader questions related to disability and academic accommodations.

Students who anticipate ongoing attendance concerns are also encouraged to consult with their academic advisor or program coordinator to understand the attendance expectations within their specific major or program.

Last updated: August, 2025