Temporary Academic Accommodations
Temporary academic accommodations are available for students experiencing short-term impairment that impacts their ability to fully participate in academic activities. These impairments may include, but are not limited to:
- Concussions
- Broken limbs
- Recovery from surgery or injury
The goal of these accommodations is to minimize the impact of a temporary impairment and ensure continued access to learning during recovery. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on medical documentation and the functional limitations of the impairment.
Examples of Temporary Academic Accommodations
- Extended time on exams or assignments
- Note-taking assistance or access to recorded lectures
- Use of assistive technology or alternate formats
Temporary accommodations are not intended to alter the essential academic requirements of a course or program, and they are typically approved for a defined period based on medical recommendations.
How to Request Temporary Accommodations
Students should contact Student Disability Resources as soon as possible and provide appropriate documentation to begin the review process.
If you miss class due to a temporary impairment, notify your professors immediately and refer to Penn State’s Attendance Policy (E-11). Such situations may include:
- Absences from the date of surgery until medically cleared
- Absences from the date of an injury until meeting with Student Disability Resources
Helpful Links
- Penn State’s Attendance Policy:
Penn State policy E-11: Class Attendance covers unavoidable or legitimate absences, including illness, injury, university approved curricular or extracurricular activities, military service, religious observances, elections, or postgraduate/interview obligations, provided the student notifies the instructor in advance when possible. - Penn State’s Transportation Services:
Student Disability Resources does not provide parking or transportation accommodations. For accessible options, refer to: