Sometimes, in life there are situations that you’re unprepared for. Maybe you’ve broken a bone, maybe you’ve lost a loved one or maybe you’re about to welcome a child into the world. Whatever the case may be, the Office of Student Disability Services can help verify class absences and collaborate with professors when a student encounters these situations.
Jennifer Wilson, director of student disability services, said that students might not know about these processes if they haven’t experienced a temporary injury or family emergency.
What is a temporary injury? Family emergency?
A temporary injury is a condition that is not permanent. According to Wilson, the most common forms of temporary injuries include broken bones, hospitalizations, recovery from surgery and concussions. When a student becomes temporarily injured, they can have their absence verified and communicated with their professors.
Students who encounter a family emergency can also have their absences verified. Wilson said that family emergencies include death or hospitalization of an immediate family member and the birth of a child.
How can I get my absence verified?
According to Wilson, students can choose to email their professors directly in order to discuss their situations and have their absences verified, but most faculty will refer students to the Office of Disability Services in order to have the verification on record.
At that point, the student will need to provide a copy of any relevant documentation. Documentation could include medical records, a doctor’s note, death certificate, etc. A member of the office will review the documentation, including any recommendations given by the doctor that’s relevant to the student’s academics. These recommendations could include things like allowing a student to write out information if they can’t look at a computer after a concussion.
After reviewing this information, the office will email professors the student requests verifying their absence and providing any recommendations for the student and professor moving forward.
Wilson said that depending on the reason for the absence verification, students may want to follow up. This could benefit the student if their timeline of recovery changes.
If my mobility is limited, is there any way to get accommodations?
Yes. Wilson said that students are able to get temporary access to closer parking lots and spots they may not normally be able to reach in order to get to work or class. She said that once students express their need to the office, they can help work with Public Safety in order to grant access. However, the office cannot issue a temporary handicap pass for students. Wilson said students have to go to the DMV for that.
Not many people may want to encounter a family emergency or temporary injury during their journey as a Shark. That being said, knowing the steps to take when encountering a situation like this can help ease the healing process. Students can contact the Office of Disability Services with questions at disabilityservices@nova.edu.
