Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP)

A Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) is an accommodation that supports students whose disabilities may have periodic impacts on attendance, participation, or the timely completion of coursework. The purpose of this plan is to establish reasonable expectations when those impacts occur. Disability Support Services (DSS) will work with the instructor and student to establish mutually agreed upon expectations and boundaries for limited flexibility.

Standard and Custom Plans

Standard RAP

Most students approved for the RAP accommodation are supported through the Standard RAP. The Standard RAP provides a consistent framework for limited flexibility when disability-related impacts affect attendance, participation, or the timely completion of coursework. It is designed to be effective for most students and most course designs while maintaining essential course requirements and learning outcomes.

The Standard RAP serves as the starting point for implementation and is outlined below. In many situations, no additional review is necessary.

Attendance

  • Students may miss two additional live classes beyond the course attendance policy without penalty.

Assignments

  • For assignments with six or fewer calendar days to complete, students may submit up to two assignments within 48 hours after the due date.
  • Assignments available for seven or more calendar days are designed to provide flexibility, so extensions are generally not required.
  • Group assignments, discussions, and other collaborative projects rely on coordinated participation and shared timelines. Therefore, extensions are generally not required.

Exams and Quizzes

  • For exams and quizzes available for five calendar days or fewer, students may make up one exam and one quiz within 48 hours of the missed deadline.
  • Exams and quizzes available for seven or more calendar days are designed to provide scheduling flexibility, so extensions are generally not required.
  • Because of end-of-semester deadlines, a missed final exam may result in an incomplete grade if a make-up exam cannot be scheduled.

Custom RAP Process

If the Standard RAP does not meet a student’s disability-related needs or fit the design of a course, students or instructors may contact DSS to request a Custom RAP review. The instructor will be asked to complete a brief Custom RAP Form, and DSS will review the information, consult with the student and instructor as needed, and communicate any approved Custom RAP to both parties.

Instructors may find the Custom RAP form in the DSS Portal by clicking Survey from the menu, and then selecting the Custom RAP Form. This form is only available to instructors logged into the DSS Portal for Faculty.

RAP Limitations:

  • RAP is not a blanket policy for all courses. Flexibility is determined on the specific requirements and essential elements of each course.
  • RAP is not intended to provide unlimited flexibility. Instead, it provides limited flexibility and is not expected to cover extended absences or grant extensions on every assignment.
  • RAP is not designed to convert an in-person course into a virtual course or replace required attendance and participation.
  • RAP may only be used for disability-related impacts associated with the student’s approved accommodation. It does not apply to absences or missed work unrelated to the student’s disability.
  • RAP is not retroactive. It applies only after the accommodation has been approved, included on the accommodation letter, and shared with the instructor.
  • RAP is not a University Excused Absence (UEA). The Office of the Dean of Students is the only office that can issue an official University Excused Absence.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Students are expected to review each course syllabus and understand course policies related to attendance, participation, and deadlines.
  • Students should include RAP on their accommodation letter when additional flexibility may be needed based on course expectations. RAP is not implemented until the accommodation letter is sent to the instructor.
  • Students approved for RAP who include it on their accommodation letter are automatically placed into the Standard Plan (link).
  • If students believe the Standard Plan is not effective or appropriate for a particular course, they should contact DSS as soon as possible to explore available options.
  • Students are expected to communicate with their instructor as soon as possible when disability-related impacts require the use of RAP.
  • Students are encouraged to include DSS in RAP-related communications with instructors.
  • Students should contact DSS promptly with any questions, concerns, or challenges related to RAP implementation.

Instructor Responsibilities:

  • Instructors are expected to review accommodation letters and identify students approved for RAP each semester.
  • Students approved for RAP who include it on their accommodation letter are automatically placed into the Standard Plan (link).
  • Instructors who believe the Standard Plan is not effective or appropriate for their course may request a custom RAP (link).
  • Instructors are expected to implement RAP according to the approved plan.
  • Instructors are encouraged to include DSS in RAP-related communications with students.
  • Instructors should contact DSS promptly with any questions, concerns, or challenges related to RAP implementation.

DSS Responsibilities:

  • DSS determines when RAP is a reasonable and necessary accommodation based on disability-related needs.
  • DSS supports students and instructors throughout the implementation of RAP.
  • DSS reviews and facilitates requests for Custom RAPs when the Standard Plan is not appropriate for a particular course.
  • DSS communicates approved RAP plans and any subsequent modifications to students and instructors.
  • DSS is available to assist with questions, concerns, or challenges related to RAP implementation.