Temporary Medical Conditions

 

Students who are ill with COVID-19 do not need to file a Temporary Medical Condition request with Disability Services to receive flexibility for attendance, missed quizzes or exams. Students who test positive should work directly with their instructors to arrange make-up work. For further information and guidance, please refer to the message from the Provost.

Temporary Medical Conditions (TMCs) - such as injuries, surgeries or acute illnesses - typically do not qualify as permanent disabilities. However, Disability Services is here to support students navigating these challenges. We offer guidance and resources to help you manage your academic responsibilities while navigating a temporary medical condition. If you’re experiencing a TMC and would like to explore available support, we encourage you to meet with an access coordinator. Please contact us at 303-492-8671 or DSInfo@colorado.edu to schedule an appointment. CU Boulder staff and faculty understand that temporary medical conditions can significantly affect your ability to attend classes and complete coursework. Below, you’ll find strategies and resources to help you stay on track during this difficult time.

Dealing with a temporary medical condition can be disruptive in a lot of ways - physically, academically and emotionally. Everyone handles these situations differently, and sometimes just talking it through can help you figure out your next steps. CU Boulder has a variety of campus resources that can offer support, information and guidance while you navigate this time.

Please provide a dated letter from your medical provider that includes a brief description of your condition, the expected duration and any relevant functional limitations. This information helps us understand how your temporary condition may impact your academics and allows us to offer appropriate support.

Your instructors play a key role in supporting your academic success during a temporary medical condition. It’s important to keep them informed about any challenges you’re facing and to communicate early and clearly about what you might need. When possible, suggest practical solutions - such as making up missed work, requesting a notetaker, additional exam time, help with seating or access or storage for mobility aids. Please note that decisions regarding temporary academic adjustments are ultimately at the discretion of your instructors and teaching assistants.

If you're managing a temporary medical condition, you may need to adjust your course load or build in extra time for coursework and recovery. It's important to connect with your instructors as soon as possible to discuss any classes or assignments you've missed - or expect to miss - and to make a plan for moving forward. This could include making up exams or quizzes, requesting extensions or exploring the possibility of attending a different section of the same course. If your condition has significantly impacted your ability to participate in the semester, it may be necessary to consider options such as withdrawing from a course or requesting an Incomplete. Be sure to consult with your instructors and academic advisor to explore the best path based on your situation. You may also contact the Office of Registrar for information about withdrawing from classes.

If your temporary medical condition makes it difficult to take notes, consider asking a classmate for help. You can reach out directly to someone in your class or ask your instructor to assist in finding a volunteer notetaker. Be sure to arrange how you’ll receive the notes - by email or a shared document. You might also explore using note-taking tools or apps to support you. Options include free or low-cost apps like Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, Notability or devices like the Livescribe Smartpen that sync audio with written notes.

If you're unable to write or type due to a temporary medical condition, consider asking a friend or family member to assist you. If that’s not an option, you may want to explore a writing or transcription service for support. Another helpful alternative is speech-to-text software, which allows you to speak into a microphone while your words are converted into written text. There are free versions available online, as well as paid options like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or MacSpeech Dictate.

Exams can be especially challenging when you're managing a temporary medical condition. With advance notice, you may be able to work with your professor or teaching assistant to find flexible solutions. Here are a few strategies you might consider discussing with them:

  • Mark your answers directly on the exam instead of using a scantron
  • Type essay responses on a laptop instead of handwriting them
  • For lab or hands-on exams, orally describe the steps, reasoning and observations
  • Request additional time to complete the exam
  • Take short breaks during the exam if needed
  • Record your answers orally
  • Use a scribe provided by your professor or teaching assistant

If you anticipate needing support with exams, we encourage you to contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 to speak with an access coordinator about your options.

If you need support with personal tasks or mobility due to a temporary medical condition, there are several resources available to help:

  • Personal care attendants (PCAs): If you require assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, bathing or grooming, you’ll need to arrange services through a home and family care agency. While the university does not provide PCA services, Disability Services can help coordinate building or room access for your PCA. Please contact your access coordinator for support.
  • Volunteer assistance: For help with navigating campus or carrying books and supplies, you may be able to connect with volunteer support through student organizations such as fraternities, sororities or other campus groups.
  • Mobility aids: If you need equipment such as a wheelchair, scooter or oxygen tank, rentals must be arranged independently. Disability Services can provide a list of local vendors or referral sources. To request this information, please contact DSInfo@colorado.edu.

Disability Services partners with Parking & Transportation Services to support students with disabilities or temporary medical conditions who require assistance with parking or getting to and around campus. To learn more about available accommodations and services, please visit the Parking & Transportation Accommodations page.