Supporting Students in Distress
Supporting Students in Distress
OALA understands that students may share with their professors certain extenuating circumstances that they may be encountering that may necessitate extensions, absences, or lead to an inability to physically attend class. Even with accommodations, this should always be in consultation with faculty and balanced with and never at the cost of the academic integrity of any courses. When students disclose how they may be struggling, we realize this can put faculty in a difficult position. In these cases, it is important to note that these needs may rise beyond an accommodation and referrals to other campus partners, including the Baylor Care Team or the Counseling Center, would be more suitable and appropriate to comprehensively support students.
Any flexibility provided beyond the limits of a student’s accommodations is at the discretion of each faculty member and should NOT be understood as an accommodation if it exceeds the expectations that were agreed upon or would begin to impact the academic integrity of a course. For instance, if a student does not meet an adjusted accommodated deadline, the faculty can and should feel free to proceed to grade them in accordance with the standards of the course. Moreover, if absences become excessive, for any reason, it may be necessary for a student to seek a leave of absence, course withdrawal, or incomplete to prioritize their wellness or manage the personal circumstances that may be impacting their academics.
Baylor University strives to ensure that students have access to resources and support to navigate challenges that may arise during their college experience. The Baylor Care Team was developed with the belief that overall well-being of the student is the foundation for a successful and enriching academic and community life. This program provides a singular point of contact (care@baylor.edu), that guides and facilitates connections with campus and community partners to support students who are struggling or in distress. OALA highly encourages referring students to Care via their Care Team Report Form.
Remote Learning
OALA does NOT provide an accommodation for remote learning. The ability to use zoom or other platforms for remote learning was a product of the COVID-19 pandemic; there was no remote accommodation prior to the pandemic and it is not something our office can provide an accommodation for. OALA does not view this as a reasonable accommodation given our institution’s policies for in-person learning for undergraduate students and several graduate programs whose core learning outcomes and components are tied to in-person study being necessary. As such, it is NOT possible for a student to get this type of accommodation from our office nor is it something that we can provide. If a student will be missing time for an extended period due to a disability, emergency, or other personal need, they can explore options with their faculty, inquire about alternative accommodations, and/or may need to explore taking a leave of absence. However, OALA is unable to and will not issue an accommodation for remote learning for any disability, illness, or condition.