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Student Disability Services
University of Mississippi

Modification of University Policies

Early Registration
Students registered with SDS receive early course registration so they can take their accommodations into consideration when scheduling courses for upcoming semesters. For example, students that are eligible for extended time on exams may need to allow more time in between classes so tests can be taken at the same time as the rest of the class.

Early registration windows will open sometime during the first two days of the University’s priority registration process. Students must still communicate with an academic advisor and ensure no “holds” are on their record. SDS does not have the authority to left any student holds. SDS also cannot open a seat in a class that has been closed or move students up on a class waitlist.

Reasonable Modification of Policies Related to Attendance
Students who have severe, chronic disabilities that may occasionally impact the ability to safely attend class might be approved for reasonable flexibility of course attendance policies. Attendance is considered to be an essential component of post-secondary education and excessive absences will lead to academic difficulties and possible course failure even when flexibility is approved.

This modification does not allow for unlimited absences. It simply means that instructors will allow a limited amount of flexibility with their published attendance policy.

This policy modification is approved on a class-by-class basis because it may fundamentally alter the essential elements of a course. Because of this, it is REQUIRED that instructors contact SDS to discuss the reasonableness of the modification in each class. Students and instructors are encouraged to review the policy related to this modification: Reasonable Modification of Policies Related to Attendance.

Reasonable Modification of Policies Related to Test Dates & Assignments Deadlines
Students who have severe, chronic disabilities that may occasionally impact the ability to attend class may miss a test date or experience a flare up that prevents them from submitting an assignment on the scheduled due date. This modification does not allow for unlimited extensions of test dates and assignment deadlines. It simply means that instructors will allow a limited amount of flexibility.

This modification is approved on a class-by-class, case-by-case basis because it may fundamentally alter essential elements of a course.

Students approved for this modification are responsible for contacting their course instructor in advance if the student will miss a test or deadline. For emergencies that prevent the student from attending class and/or submitting an assignment on the due date must contact the course instructor as soon as possible to discuss test date or assignment due date extensions.

Assignment due date extensions and make-up exams are determined on a case-by-case basis, and the extent to which late assignments and make-up exams are allowed may vary, depending on the instructor, course and/or academic department, and course design.
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