"There are no make-up labs for any reason."

drusba
Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:39:39 +0000

I would also like to know from the OP what happened on this issue. It was somewhat vague as to what had actually occurred. It sounded like he got information about accomodations when school began and learned of the no make -up policy but it did not sound like he had actually discussed the inability to attend class on occassion and what would be done when that occurred. In other words, it did not sound like the school had actually refused an accomodation or that he had actually asked for a determination. The school’s no make-up policy for labs seems callous to begin with even for students without disability if there is a valid excuse for absence and may have behind it simply the desire of TA’s not to have to show up for another lab. Without having more facts it is hard to say what should be done but going to the disability counselor and to professor is a first step.

What is legally required very often depends on the particular individual. However, having a policy that says there are never make-up labs, that labs are graded, that not attending thus lowers your grade, and that you are bound to that policy despite in fact having a disability that prevents attendance at times is a policy that sounds like it does not even begin to satisfy legal requirements.