Mid Michigan College recognizes the importance of encouraging and assisting each student in reaching their full potential. We encourage students to plan ahead for each semester and meet with our team 2-3 months before courses begin to ensure accommodations are in place to support their success.
Student Accommodations Information Request
Student Accommodations Application
Login to Self-Service to access your Accommodations Agreement
One of the accommodations that a student with a disability may use is flexible attendance, where the student may be allowed to exceed the attendance policy of an instructor or department.
Student Accommodation Services does not have a role in determining course attendance policies. Because attendance may be integral to the learning outcomes of a course, these policies are set by instructors or by the departments. Similarly, instructors also determine policies regarding make-up work and missed quizzes and exams.
In some cases, attendance is fundamental to course objectives; for example, students may be required to interact with others in the course, to demonstrate the ability to think and argue critically, or to participate in group projects. In other instances, instructors may determine that students can master course content despite some or many absences. Rarely, instructors may decide that students do not need to attend course sessions at all.
The ADA does not require instructors to lower academic standards or substantially modify course expectations. However, some students are eligible for a flexible attendance accommodation, because of their health. Generally, this means a student will not lose points for missing a course session. Instructors may choose to be consistent with enforcement of their policies; however, each request should be evaluated individually. Instructors should make their policies clear so that students can make informed choices about which courses to take.
Instructors should pay attention to possible claims of differential treatment. Occasionally, an instructor has a strict attendance policy on paper but has modified it for others. It is important to consider any exceptions you may have made; either to your own policy or that of the program, especially for nondisabled students (i.e. death in the family, flu outbreak, sick child etc.)
Each attendance flexibility request must be considered on a case by case basis. However, flexible attendance accommodations require an interactive discussion between you and the student in order to reach an understanding about how attendance impacts the student’s ability to meet the objectives/requirements of the course, and what flexibility can be provided. Prior to that discussion, please consider the following questions in making that determination. These questions were obtained from a Letter of Finding from the Office for Civil Rights to Cabrillo Community College in California [Case No. 09-96-2150; OCR Region IX, 1996]).
After reviewing the essential questions, a reasoned judgment should be made about whether a waiver of this course attendance requirement would be acceptable and warrant flexible attendance accommodation. While in some cases attendance is essential in meeting course objectives/requirements, in other instances, instructors may determine that students can master course content despite absences. In providing this accommodation, instructors are not required to modify course content.
Absences which are not disability related are not covered under flexible attendance, and should be treated as you would a similar absence for any other student in your course.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Blind/Partially Sighted Students
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students
Mobility Impairments
Psychiatric/Psychological Disabilities
Systemic Disabilities
Learning Disabilities
What are “reasonable” accommodations based on?
The ADA states that “reasonable accommodations” must be provided on a case-by-case basis to people with disabilities so that they might enjoy the same privileges and benefits available to the non-disabled. Accommodations must be effective. Accommodations must not alter the fundamental nature of the course or program, and essential courses should not be waived. The purpose of academic adjustments is to allow students to comprehend course materials more effectively and to communicate that comprehension. If instructors have questions about required accommodations, they should contact Student Accommodation Services at (989) 317-4613.
Should faculty/staff provide accommodations without the Accommodation Notification Form?
For students with obvious physical disabilities, faculty/staff should accommodate their immediate needs, if possible. However, because granting academic adjustments without documentation may lead to inconsistencies, faculty/staff should refer all students requesting accommodations for disabilities to Student Accommodation Services.
Who is responsible for administering tests to students with disabilities?
Instructors have the authority for test administration. You may choose to use the Library and Learning Services (LLS). The LLS is a place where students may go for their quiet area, extended time and/or reader if necessary. Instructors will deliver the test to the LLS with specific test guidelines for the student (example can a calculator or notes be used.)
Does a student have to disclose his disability to the College?
Students are not required to tell anyone at Mid Michigan College about their disability. However, if they want to receive accommodations, they must register with Student Accommodation Services.
How often should a student meet with Student Accommodation Services?
Students need to register with Student Accommodation Services each semester to obtain academic advising and accommodations. While a student may choose to meet with another academic advisor, accommodations can only be arranged through Student Accommodation Services. Students may meet with Student Accommodation Services any time during the semester for questions and/or assistance.
Mid Michigan College is an equal opportunity educational institution that complies with Federal and State laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination. Mid Michigan College has the responsibility to provide every qualified student with a disability the following:
Support is available for all students. Funding for qualifying students enrolled in approved occupational programs is provided through the Carl D. Perkins Grant.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we ensure that admission, services, activities, facilities and academic programs are accessible to and usable by qualified students with disabilities. It is expected that students will make requests for accommodations well in advance of the start of the semester (a minimum of two months in advance is recommended).
Mid Michigan College has adopted internal grievance procedures which provide a venue for a prompt, equitable, and impartial resolution of grievances alleging any action prohibited by the ADA or Section 504. These procedures apply to complaints of inaccessibility, discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability and pertain to all members of the campus community including: students, faculty, staff, employment and admission applicants, vendors, contractors, and third parties.
For more information review our Americans with Disability Act (ADA) webpage.
Refer to our policy webpage linked here for information regarding Service Animals at Mid.
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