This section was created to help students in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) understand and navigate the policies and procedures for requesting Academic Consideration and Academic Accommodation.
As an Engineering student, is important that you become familiar with FEAS Academic Regulations and Sessional Dates to ensure that you are able to complete all of the essential course and program requirements.
If you require any assistance or encounter any difficulty with your studies, you should contact your Academic Advisor.
For questions or assistance with requesting Academic Consideration or Accommodation, contact the FEAS Program Advisor (Accommodations & Considerations) at engineering.aac@queensu.ca or 613-533-6000, ext. 78013
About Academic Consideration (Absences)
Queen’s University recognizes that students may have extenuating circumstances that temporarily affect their ability to fulfill their academic obligations and requirements. The institutional response to requests for academic consideration due to extenuating circumstances is based on the principle of good faith, wherein the university and instructors are requested to assume that student circumstances and documented requests are legitimate unless there is compelling evidence to suggest otherwise. Similarly, students are requested to assume that the university and instructors will provide academic considerations that are deemed to be in the best interest of the student, taking into account academic progress and essential academic requirements and standards. For more information, see the full policy.
While regulations are necessary to provide uniform standards for all students, we recognize that some students may encounter circumstances beyond your control that may affect your academic performance. Students who encounter such extenuating circumstances may request that certain regulations be waived.
More information about requesting Academic Consideration…
About Academic Accommodation
Academic Accommodations are classified as either long-term or short-term, depending upon the situation.
-
Long-term: Long-term physical or mental illness (e.g., hearing, visual, or mobility impairments, diabetes, cancer, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD/ADD, OCD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, etc.) Learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, auditory or visual processing disorders, etc.)
-
Short-term: New unexpected onset of physical or mental illness lasting more than 48 hours, unexpected surgery/injury (concussion), serious extenuating circumstances
Long-Term Accommodation, Interim Accommodations and Temporary Accommodations
Any Engineering student with a documented disability must register with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) for formal accommodations. If students require Interim (short-term) or temporary accommodations due to circumstances they should also contact QSA. If you are seeking academic accommodation, you will need to provide documentation with details about the functional impairments and limitations that result from the disability. You will have the opportunity to meet with advisors to discuss if and how these limitations create a barrier in the university academic context.
Differences between Academic Consideration & Accommodation
The table below summarizes the differences between academic consideration and academic accommodation. It includes descriptions and examples of the conditions that pertain to each situation.
| Academic Consideration | Academic Accommodation | |
|---|---|---|
|
Senate Policy |
Academic Considerations for Students in Extenuating Circumstances (PDF, April 2017) |
Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (PDF, November 2016) |
|
Objective |
To provide consistent and fair academic considerations to students for a range of extenuating personal circumstances. |
To provide appropriate academic accommodations for students with disabilities as part of the University’s commitment to accessibility and equity. |
|
Definition |
An action or actions taken by an instructor or Faculty Office in response to a student with an extenuating circumstance. Examples of academic consideration:
|
Any adaptation that reduces or eliminates barriers to participation, which arise when a student with a disability interacts with the academic environment. Examples of academic accommodation:
|
|
Conditions |
Extenuating circumstance beyond the student’s control, not to exceed 3 months |
Chronic or ongoing physical health or mental health condition, or a learning disability. |
|
Examples of Conditions |
Students are allowed one reqest per term (up to 3 days) without documentation*:
Extenuating circumstances more than 3 days, second incident, or during final exam period.* Acceptable documentation:
|
Conditions requiring a Letter of Accommodation (LOA):
Conditions requiring Short-Term Academic Accommodation (STAA):
|
|
Responsibility for Authorizing Arrangements |
The Faculty Office verifies documentation. Instructor works with student to determine and implement reasonable academic consideration. |
Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) determines accommodation and provides LOA or STAA for instructors. |
* Exclusions that are not covered by this protocol:
Students who do not feel they can meet academic requirements due to experiencing high levels of academic or exam-related stress should contact an academic advisor in their faculty/program, or Student Wellness Services at intake.wellness@queensu.ca or by phone 613-533-6000 ext. 74842.