Short-Term Accommodations

At Whitman College, we are committed to the health and well-being of our students. For students needing academic support while recovering from a short-term condition, we provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments during the recovery process. 

Short-Term Accommodations

Short-term accommodations are brief adjustments to allow for equal access during the recovery period of less than six (6) months. Short-term disabilities typically refer to conditions that temporarily prevent a student from fully participating in academic activities. These conditions necessitate a genuine need for accommodations or modifications to allow the student to continue their studies.

Examples of short-term disabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Concussions
• Recovery from surgery, illness, or injuries including athletic injuries
• Medical conditions lasting several weeks but less than six months
• Fractures

The following are not included as examples of short-term disabilities:

In these cases, students will need to follow up with their professors or the Dean of Students.

• Flu
• COVID-19
• Colds
• Family emergencies

Short-term accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

• Note-taking assistance
• Extended time to get to classes
• Use of sunglasses in class
• Breaks during class, if needed
• Limited use of screens
• Attendance/due date flexibility: Reasonable attendance and assignment due date accommodations will be decided based on collaboration with faculty and consideration of course objectives. Accommodations cannot cause a fundamental alteration to the course.
• Exam make-ups

How long do short-term accommodations last?

The length of short-term disability accommodations varies depending on the individual situation and needs of the student. During the interactive process, which involves meeting with the student and reviewing their documentation, the specific symptoms and their impact on functioning will be discussed. Based on this discussion and provider documentation, a determination will be made for how long accommodations are needed, with the goal of providing sufficient time for the student’s condition to improve or resolve. An expiration date will be included in the accommodation letter.

If symptoms persist and continue to impair the student's functioning, they will need to complete a new online supplemental accommodation application. This should include submitting an updated documentation form and arranging another meeting with a Disability Services Specialist to review the situation and potentially extend accommodations if necessary.

Directions for Requesting Short-Term Accommodations

If accommodations are needed due to a short-term injury or medical procedure, please follow the directions below:

1. Log into Accommodate and complete the online accommodation request application. Please be as specific as possible to allow for full understanding. If you are already registered or have completed an application with Disability Support Services (DSS) for other disabilities, please log into Accommodate and complete the online Supplemental Accommodation Request form.
2. Submit documentation: If you were treated at the campus health center, documentation is often faxed to DSS within a few days of your visit. You may ask your provider to complete this documentation form. Otherwise, please upload documentation to Accommodate. 
3. After your application and documentation are reviewed, DSS will email you about next steps. We could possibly meet virtually for a brief intake meeting, or in some cases short-term accommodations may be approved upon review without a meeting. Please review your email for next steps.

If you need any help completing this application, please email dss@whitman.edu or call 509.526.3035.