Managing Course Policy Modifications
Course policy modifications may include extensions on assignments and/or modification to course attendance policies (i.e., additional absences). There is additional information on our Course Policy Modification accommodations page.
Refer to the Guide to Assessing Requests for SDS Accommodations for Deadline Extensions and Attendance Policy Modifications (pdf) to determine to what extent extensions or absences may be reasonable. Reach out to SDS if there are ever questions.
Feel free to use the sample email templates below in communicating with students regarding use/implementation of course policy modification accommodations in your course(s).
Email Response Templates
Dear [Student],
Thank you for contacting me regarding your disability-related request for an accommodation in the form of [a deadline extension] [an attendance policy modification]. I have determined that in the context of my course, considering course structure (e.g., course meeting pattern) and course learning objectives, a reasonable accommodation would permit [insert the permissible number of total deadline extensions and/or absences for the course or address a single requested extension or absence, whichever applies. Also insert any logistics or procedures connected to the deadline extension(s) and/or absence(s). See below asterisk for possible examples.] This determination applies to all students in the course who SDS has determined are eligible for this accommodation. Please let me know if you have any questions.
* For deadline extensions, specify the new deadline(s) and any instructions related to submission of work. You also might note that the student is required to submit work completed to date.
* For approved absence(s), include any specific instructions you may have about how the student is to complete any missed course content or learning activities.
Dear [Student],
Thank you for contacting me regarding your disability-related request for an accommodation in the form of [a deadline extension] [an attendance policy modification]. I have a course policy that permits [insert details re: permissible number of deadline extensions and/or absences]. I designed this course-wide policy based upon the same analysis and factors that I use to determine what SDS accommodations are reasonable given the context of my course, considering course structure (e.g., course meeting pattern) and course learning objectives. Accordingly, my course policy encompasses SDS accommodations, and I am unable to permit additional [extensions] [absences] without problematically jeopardizing students' learning outcomes. [Insert any logistics or procedures connected to the deadline extensions and/or absences. See below asterisk for possible examples.] Please let me know if you have any questions.
* For deadline extensions, specify the new deadline and any instructions related to submission of work. You also might note that the student is required to submit work completed to date.
* For approved absences, include any specific instructions you may have about how the student is to complete any missed course content or learning activities.
Dear [Student],
Thank you for contacting me regarding your disability-related request for an accommodation in the form of [a deadline extension] [an attendance policy modification]. Unfortunately, in the context of my course, considering course structure (e.g., course meeting pattern) and course learning objectives, I am unable to permit any [deadline extensions] [absences]. Such [deadline extensions] [absences] would interfere with essential course expectations and, thus, I cannot reasonably offer such accommodations. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Dear [Student],
Thank you for contacting me regarding your disability-related request for an accommodation in the form of [a deadline extension] [an attendance policy modification]. Unfortunately, in the context of my course, considering course structure (e.g., course meeting pattern), course learning objectives [and the nature of the class at issue] [and the nature of the assignment at issue] I am unable to permit [deadline extensions for this assignment] [absences for X dates]. Such [deadline extensions] [absences] would interfere with essential course expectations and, thus, I cannot reasonably offer such accommodations. Please let me know if you have any questions.