It's not unusual for students to encounter temporary illnesses or injuries during their time at UNT. The flu, broken bones, extended hospitalizations, surgeries etc. all represent temporary conditions which may result in missed classes and other academic difficulties. Such temporary conditions may not qualify for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  We encourage you to contact the Office of Disability Access at 940-565-4323 to determine if ODA can assist you.

Since there is no legal requirement for UNT to accommodate temporary illnesses, your professors may or may not allow you to make up missed work due to temporary illnesses or provide other adjustments.Faculty members are encouraged to make adjustments for temporary illnesses when contacted by the Dean of Students Office via email or when a student provides an absence verification slip from the Dean of Students Office.

Students may request temporary illness/disability assistance by completing the following steps:

  1. Provide the Dean of Students Office with a letter from a medical doctor, or other qualified professional, which must contain the following:
    • A diagnosis and how the diagnosis impacts your academic pursuits
    • Duration of illness, from the time it began to impact you academically and until the expected recovery
    • Documentation may also include recommendations for academic adjustments (e.g. excuse absences, tardiness leniency, extend time for tests)
  2. After receiving the medical documentation, the Dean of Students Office will send an email to your professors or provide you with an absence verification slip to take to your professors.
  3. It is your responsibility to discuss your absence with your professors and work out the details of the adjustments.

Pregnancy also does not qualify for ADA protection provided it is of normal duration without severe complications. For more information on pregnancy guidelines please visit Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students.