Occasional Extension of Assignment Due Dates (up to 48 hours)

Extension of deadlines as a reasonable accommodation is infrequently used and typically reserved for students that have provided documentation of a disability that is unpredictable, acute, and episodic. Students eligible for this accommodation are expected and encouraged to meet assignment deadlines. However, they may occasionally have periods when they are unable to complete work at a scheduled time, such that some leniency in a late-work policy is reasonable. This accommodation typically applies to short-term assignments (e.g., homework); but in certain circumstances, it can also apply to long-term projects that have been assigned since the beginning of the semester.  Please consult ODA with any questions or concerns. 
 
In an effort to ensure students who have this accommodation understand how this accommodation is provisioned as well as its limitations, you are responsible for understanding the information presented below. 

  1. This accommodation is NOT retroactive and does NOT begin until you and your instructor discuss how this accommodation would work in that class. Therefore, it is vital for you to schedule an appointment with each of your instructors as soon as possible after your accommodation letter has been emailed to your instructors. Contact the ODA if you would like assistance in discussing this accommodation with faculty. 

  1. Requests for extensions must be due to the limitations associated with the documented disability for which you are receiving accommodations. 

  1. Extension of assignment due dates must be established with the instructor. Within two weeks from the date of receiving the letter of accommodation, students must schedule an appointment and meet with the instructor to have a conversation about how occasional extensions on assignments would work in the course. The following topics should be discussed each time a student needs a deadline extension due to a disability related reason: (a) Time frame that student must notify the instructor (e.g., within 24 hours of the missed deadline) and (b) Time frame within the missed deadline to submit the assignment. The accommodation states up to 48 hours. However, the instructor has discretion to adjust. Please contact ODA with questions. 

  1. Students must work closely with their instructors in adjusting deadlines for an assignment. Reasonable use of this accommodation requires active collaboration among students, instructors, and ODA on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the integrity of a course or program is maintained. 

  1. Students are responsible for notifying the instructor of their need to utilize their accommodation in advance of the assignment deadline. However, if the student is unable to inform the instructor due to disability-related reasons, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of make-up work. 

  1. Accommodations are not retroactive; instructors are not required to honor this accommodation if students notified instructors after the assignment due date has lapsed. 

  1. The student is responsible for completing all assignments and meeting all the core learning objectives and curricular outcomes, as outlined in the course syllabus, within the time period of the semester. 

  1. If at any time, the student believes an instructor is not honoring the terms of the accommodation, the student should contact ODA as soon as possible. ODA will contact the instructor to gather additional information and discuss available options. 

  1. If the student is unable to complete all assignments within the time period of the semester, the student should first visit with their instructor to determine what possibilities exist for additional flexibility, if any. The student or instructor is encouraged to consult with ODA staff. 

  1. In certain instances, extension of assignment deadlines may not be a reasonable accommodation during 3-week or 5-week academic terms. 

  1. Students should not assume this accommodation will automatically be implemented to any late work without discussing it with their instructors first. 

  1. Students are not required to provide a doctor's note when requesting this accommodation from faculty. 

At any point, if you need assistance from the Office of Disability Access staff, please feel free to contact us.