There's a question about how to accommodate requests for extensions from DRC students. Below is my email to and response from DRC =========================== hi, i have some drc students in my class. most of them simply require extra time for exams -- and i am fine with that. however, there's one that's requesting extra time for programming assignments. i find this problematic since my later programs assumes they have completed earlier programs. extending the deadline for programming assignments seem like it will do more harm than good. what should i tell the student? thanks. alex =========================== HI Alex, It sounds like the accommodations for extensions on assignments will not work for your class. Here are some guidelines for faculty that I hope will help clarify the accommodation for extensions. I will also try calling you directly. The accommodation for extensions on assignments iS: Intended for students with disabilities who have episodic health conditions that might flare up unexpectedly and cause them to miss an assignment. Vetted thoroughly by the DRC and based on review of a student's medical documentation. Intended for homework assignments, not timed exams or quizzes. The accommodation for extensions on assignments is NOT: Intended as a substitute for a lack of time management. Appropriate if it causes problems with grading. Appropriate when course feedback is based on peer review, the class requires the student to turn in labs that cannot be recreated, or there are other requirements that are essential components of the learning. If an instructor determines extensions are not appropriate for their course, other alternatives should be discussed between the DRC, student, and the instructor. For every assignment. Only on an as needed basis (when a student has a flare up of their disability) and not automatically for every assignment in the course. As part of the DRC interactive process with faculty, the student, and the DRC, there is discussion about how the accommodation will work for the class. When a student with this accommodation requests an extension there should be. Good communication: When an extension is needed for a disability-related reason, the student should do their best to notify their instructor as soon as possible, preferably within 24-48 hours, and also keep their DRC Coordinator informed. An agreement how and when the student will communicate should an extension be needed. A revised timeline: The student and the instructor will agree upon a revised timeline for the assignment. Take notes on the details of the agreement so there are no misunderstandings at grading time. A plan to avoid an Incomplete Grade at the end of the quarter (if at all possible). The description about the accommodation that we provide to DRC students who have the accommodation for extensions states: Extensions on Assignments: I authorized you for extensions on a case by case basis as it relates to your disability. This is for occasional extensions on assignments due to disability related reasons. You should discuss this with your instructor prior to the request for an extension if that is possible. You can email the instructor and say, “I have a disability that could flare-up. If I experience a flare-up of my disability-related symptoms, I may fall behind with an assignment and need to request an extension.” Please know that your disability is private information and you do need to release information about what your disability is or provide details about your diagnosis. Feel free to copy me on emails you send to your instructors about this accommodation. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions or if you feel extensions will not work for your particular class. Best, Angela Holleman Assistant Director, DRC -- Angela Holleman, MS, LMFT Assistant Director Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Disability Resource Center UC Santa Cruz Voice 831-459-5635 Fax 831-459-5064 Web: drc.ucsc.edu