The University of Miami is committed to supporting academic success for all students. Certain life events may inhibit this process during a student's academic career. Temporary injuries are not considered a disability under the ADA. University staff will make a concerted effort to provide guidance and direct students to local resources based on the nature of the injury.
Students should contact the person identified as the Troubleshooter for their college or school. Parents and students may access this list and contact information from www.miami.edu/ombudsperson. The most common examples of temporary injuries are broken bones, sprains, or recovery from a medical procedure or surgery.
The following checklist was created to guide parents and students experiencing any type of temporary injury or medical condition:
- Students should contact their advisor by email.
- Notify professors of the injury and the impact it will have on the classroom.
- Tell the professor when you expect to return to class.
- Make an appointment with each professor as soon as you return to campus.
- Discuss issues related to class absence, missed assignments, and exams.
- Ask if a doctor's note is required.
- Discuss alternative options for recording answers on exams. These include, highlighting multiple choice answers, using a computer or tape recorder for essays, opportunities to make-up missed exams. Students should discuss the option to receive an incomplete in the class if alternative options are not available.
Ask a classmate to share a copy of class notes. Students may consider purchasing two-ply paper notebooks, which produce immediate copy of the notes.
If your injury requires the use of a wheelchair, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to inquire about accessibility routes for classrooms. Students with classes in the Merrick Building must contact ODS for access to the electronic lifts.
