Accommodations available
Generally students are expected to follow established classroom attendance policies. However, some disabilities are episodic, and students may have to miss class for medical concerns.
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