Flexibility in Attendance Accommodation

Overview

The Flexibility in Attendance accommodation allows a student to miss in-person or zoom/Teams synchronous class sessions without penalty when experiencing a disability related barrier to attending. 

Flexibility in Attendance is meant to be used occasionally and each specific class session needs to be communicated about between student and faculty. The general guidance is to use the accommodation up to 4 times per quarter. Students should contact the DRC if more are needed. 

Flexibility in Attendance for Exams: If a student is unable to attend an exam due to a disability-related barrier, the student’s Access Specialist and faculty need to be consulted to determine if a rescheduled exam date is appropriate and reasonable.

Student Responsibilities

  • Request accommodations through the DRC each quarter 
  • Meet with faculty at the start of the quarter (or as soon as the accommodation is added) to discuss the course syllabus and the accommodation 
  • Inform your faculty as soon as you know you need to miss class 
  • Use your faculty’s preferred communication method (For example: Canvas or Email) 
  • Communicate clearly that you need to use your Flexibility in Attendance accommodation for a disability-related reason 
  • Understand that each missed class session needs to be communicated with individually  
  • Understand that not all class sessions may be able to be made up and your faculty may inform you of this 
  • Contact your DRC Access Specialist for assistance in working with your faculty or if you are too far behind in class and need to pursue a Medical Withdrawal 

Faculty Responsibilities

  • Inform student of any class sessions that cannot be made up (examples: lab sessions with specific equipment, group project presentation days) 
  • Respond to student communication regarding use of the accommodation 
  • Contact the DRC for assistance or with any concerns 

DRC Responsibilities

  • Send requested accommodation in Letter of Accommodation to faculty and student 
  • Assist with conversations between student and faculty about specific questions regarding Flexibility in Attendance 
  • Attend meetings with faculty and student as requested to discuss the accommodation 

Last Updated July 8, 2026