Flexibility with deadlines may be recommended for several reasons. This includes a student who is diagnosed with a fluctuating condition which is prone to flare ups or for those who experience unwanted side effects of medication e.g. fatigue, impaired concentration. Those with Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia may require flexibility, as the condition may affect their ability to complet a large amount of reading, information processing speeds and ability to transfer thoughts onto paper.

Extensions are not automatic and there is no set amount of additional time recommended for an extension provided within an ISSA. This is because each request will depend on factors such as individual circumstances, how long the student has had to complete the work, when feedback needs to be provided to other students and Exam Board deadlines. Please liaise with your School Disability Adviser directly when dealing with requests to agree a suitable length of extension.

Students should be made aware of individual School processes, so it is clear how they request an extension.

No. if the student is registered with Disability Services and the recommendation for flexibility with deadlines is included in their ISSA, medical evidence should not be sought. Disability Services will already hold medical evidence on file. If, however a student asks for an extension for a reason unrelated to their disability, this request should be dealt with via EC’s. Please see the link below.

Exceptional circumstances

If the health condition is long term or likely to be long term, the student should be referred to Disability Services who will assess their needs and make recommendations for support if appropriate.

Disability Services recognises that students may OCCASIONALLY require some additional time to complete aspects of on course assessments. We would strongly recommend that students access all the supports on offer to them to assist with keeping organised and on top of their work. Many students are eligible to apply for DSA funding and could access specialist equipment and one to one support or alternatively, link in with the Learning Development Service or use assistive technology within the Libraries at QUB to assist them with managing their time and studies more effectively.

Requesting extensions for all coursework will negatively impact other aspects of their course such as revising for class tests or exams.

Students who acquire a short-term injury or condition (but do not have an underlying disability) should advise their School Office, as soon as is practicable, to enable special examination arrangements to be considered. Medical evidence should be provided where possible. (eg GP or hospital letter)

School staff should communicate these using the Special Examination Arrangements and Support Form (Temporary/Short-term Injury) SPECIAL EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS and Supports

Student Disability & Wellbeing Service will review the student’s entitlement to special examinations arrangements. (Any queries will be discussed with the School). Recommendations will then be forwarded to the Examinations Office who will, as far as reasonably possible, implement these arrangements and communicate to the student.

In May 2009 the University’s Education Committee approved that Disabled students may be permitted to record lectures and tutorials if it is deemed a reasonable adjustment by Disability Services. Students will be advised that all recordings remain the property of the University and are for personal use only. Students who do not comply with these conditions will be dealt with under the University’s Conduct Regulations. It is noted that there may be occasions when recording will not be appropriate in classes e.g. when sensitive or personal information is being discussed or shared within a tutorial group. Lecturers should use their discretion with such scenarios.

Please see the link to marking guidelines. Marking Guidelines.

Ask the student to contact Disability Services on disability.office@qub.ac.uk or refer to the Disability and Wellbeing drop-in service which is available 11 -3 Monday to Friday (currently offered remotely by telephoning 07387 546123).

Please contact Disability Services for upcoming Disability training events or to make a request for a specific type of training. Examples include general disability awareness, SENDO/legislation, Autism awareness, supporting students with Specific Learning Difficulties to name a few.

Some students may be diagnosed with a physical or mental health condition with fluctuating symptoms. They may need to attend regular appointments for treatment. A student can have consideration for attendance in their ISSA. This does not mean that students do not have to attend class. Consideration is to be given for an occasional absence. If you are worried about a student or their engagement with the course, please let us know. Students on professional courses are subject to attendance quotas set by the awarding institution/ professional body.

For a small number of students, the completion of formal examinations may present considerable challenges due to the nature and impact of their disability or long-term condition. Disability Services will explore appropriate reasonable adjustments with the individual student regarding examinations. If, having put all reasonable adjustments in place, the student is still deemed unable to undertake the standard examination as a result of his/her disability or long-term condition, alternative assessment may be considered. This is subject to the maintenance of academic standards and may not be appropriate for all courses.