Flexible Attendance

Making a request

• Establish an Accommodation Plan with the Disability Center.
• Request flexibility regarding attendance as an accommodation.
• Provide appropriate documentation.
• Complete the Flex Accommodation Request Form form.
• Be prepared to discuss your disability and how it affects your class attendance.

Policies and guidelines

Students

• Talk with your instructor early in the semester to discuss the accommodation. It is up to the instructor to decide the extent to which the accommodation can be provided.
• Depending on the nature of the course, flexible attendance might not be an appropriate accommodation. If the course involves significant interaction and in-class participation, it might not be possible for the instructor or allow attendance flexibility. Examples of these courses/projects may include:
  • Labs
  • Practicums
  • Internships
  • Foreign language learning
  • Math
  • Public speaking/communications
• Complete all work required for the course.
• Attend classes as much as possible.
• If you are unable to attend class, notify your instructor as soon as possible.
• If you have any questions or if you encounter difficulties with this accommodation, please contact your Access Advisor or Coordinator.

Faculty

• If a student has provided you with a confirmation of this accommodation, it means the Disability Center has received the appropriate medical documentation to determine it is appropriate.
• We encourage you to be flexible with your attendance policy, but you are not required to alter any essential functions of the course.
• The student should meet with you as early as possible in the semester to discuss what modifications can be made to the attendance policy without fundamentally altering requirements.
• Consider the following when determining whether to allow flexible attendance:
  • How much classroom interaction occurs between the instructor and students and among the students?
  • Do in-class student contributions constitute a significant component of learning?
  • Does the course rely on student participation as an essential method for learning?
  • Does a student’s failure to attend affect the educational experience of other students in the class?
  • What method is used to calculate the final grade?
  • What are the classroom practices and policies regarding attendance?

• Our office will be happy to answer any questions and consult with you regarding this accommodation. Please contact the Disability Center at 573-882-4696 or at mudisabilitycenter@missouri.edu
• Faculty Guide to Flexible Attendance and Guidelines