Deadlines and Attendance Flexibility Guidelines

If a student is approved for a Limited Flexibility accommodation, instructors will receive information on the Course Accommodation Letter (CAL), and will need to complete a Limited Flexibility Plan. 

Limited Attendance Flexibility

 The Limited Attendance Flexibility Plan is designed to provide students with disabilities who experience episodic or unpredictable conditions with equitable access to course content and participation. This plan allows for reasonable flexibility in attendance, deadlines, and participation requirements, ensuring that students can fully engage in their education without being penalized for disability-related absences or challenges. By providing these accommodations, we support a more inclusive and accessible learning environment while maintaining the integrity of course objectives. 

  • When a disability-related absence occurs, a student is expected to inform the instructor in advance, if possible. If this is not possible, the student will need to inform the instructor as close to the absence as possible. Students should plan to email their instructors about their absence, and are strongly encouraged to include their DRC Access Consultant in this notification. 
  • Other types of absences related to Purdue’s Excused Absence Policy are not to be included in the total number of absences related to this accommodation.
  • If the maximum number of absences allowed through this accommodation is exceeded, the student should be referred to their academic advisor to potentially discuss a drop, withdrawal, late withdrawal, or retaking the course.
  • When a student is absent due to their disability, they are responsible for the course content, lecture notes, and information presented that day. The student needs to arrange how they will obtain this information.
  • As documentation of the student’s condition is on file with the Disability Resource Center, the student will not be required to provide documentation to the instructor if they are utilizing a disability-related absence. 
What is the Proposed Limited Attendance Flexibility Plan? 

The Proposed Limited Attendance Flexibility Plan allows students to miss up to 50% more excused absences than specified in the syllabus. Instructors will provide alternative ways for students to earn participation points for missed sessions and allow up to a 3-day extension for individual assignments due on the day of an approved absence.

 Attendance:
  • Students will be allowed up to 50% more excused absences than what is stated in the syllabus. 
  • For example, if the syllabus allows 3 excused absences, the student can miss up to 5 excused absences without penalty. 
  • If the syllabus does not specify any excused absences or does not have an attendance policy, the student may miss up to 12% of the total class sessions without penalty. 
  • If course does not grade attendance, this section does not apply. 
Participation: For courses that grade participation: 
  • Provide an alternative (asynchronous or synchronous) method for students to earn participation points for any days missed due to approved absences. 
  • Examples may include: 
    • Written reflections or responses to class topics 
    • Reading summaries or discussion board posts 
    • Other relevant activities determined by the instructor 
  • If course does not grade participation, this section does not apply.
Deadlines: For individual assignments due on a day of an approved absence: 
  • Allow a reasonable extension of up to 3 days to submit the assignment. 
  • Note: This accommodation does not apply to group projects or assignments. 

If the course syllabus already offers greater flexibility for attendance or deadlines, the student should be allowed to use the more flexible option to ensure equal access. 

Limited Deadline Flexibility

The Limited Deadline Flexibility Plan is intended to offer students with disabilities the opportunity to meet assignment deadlines when disability-related challenges arise. This plan allows for reasonable extensions on assignments, ensuring that students are not disadvantaged due to factors beyond their control, such as medical conditions or episodic symptoms. By providing this flexibility, we aim to support students in maintaining their academic performance while ensuring they have equal access to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, without compromising course integrity or learning objectives. 

  • If a student needs to utilize a deadline extension through the Limited Deadline Flexibility accommodation, they must inform the instructor in advance of the deadline. Students should plan to email their instructors, and are strongly encouraged to include their DRC Access Consultant in this notification. 
  • If the maximum number of deadline extensions allowed through this accommodation is exceeded, the student should be referred to their Access Consultant. 
  • As documentation of the student’s condition is on file with the Disability Resource Center, the student will not be required to provide documentation to the instructor if they are utilizing a deadline extension request. 
  • This accommodation only applies to individual assignments.
Proposed Deadline Flexibility Plan

The Proposed Limited Deadline Flexibility Plan provides students with the opportunity to request up to three extensions for assignments, each lasting up to 72 hours. 

  • If instructors already allow flexible deadlines beyond the suggested plan, they should continue using the existing process that best suits the needs of the student. The Flex Plan provides a framework for instructors to formalize this flexibility. 

Any questions or concerns regarding the implementation of either of these accommodations should be directed to the DRC immediately. 

Contact Us

Phone: (765) 494-1247 
Email: drc@purdue.edu 

Young Hall Room 830 
155 S. Grant St. 
West Lafayette, IN 47907

Engineering Technology, Suite 331
799 W. Michigan St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46202  
drcindy@purdue.edu