Definition

We recognize that some students with temporary conditions, such as injuries, surgery, hospitalization (medical or psychiatric), or short-term medical issues, may need additional support. A temporary illness or injury is a short-term, non-chronic condition with little to no lasting impact. In general, conditions lasting six months or less are considered temporary and are not classified as permanent disabilities under federal or state law, including the American with Disabilities Ace Amendments Act (ADAAA).

This process is designed to support students facing temporary health challenges while maintaining academic rigor and integrity. Students are encouraged to communicate proactively with their instructors and the appropriate office to arrange support when possible. This page provides general guidance on available support options and whether registration with Disability Services may e appropriate, but it may not address every situation. If you have questions or need further guidance, please contact Disability@uml.edu or call 978-934-4574.

Examples of Temporary Illnesses or Injuries that can last less than 6 months

  • Surgeries with clearly defined recovery periods (for example: an appendectomy)
  • Injuries or illnesses that are expected to heal fully (for example: a concussion, bone break or mononucleosis)

Situations to file a Student Assessment, Referral, and Support (STARS) Report for support:

  1. Surgery (upcoming or recent, with recovery in progress)
  2. Hospitalization (medical or mental health)
  3. Significant life circumstances affecting academics (not directly health-related

Process

Anyone, including the student, can submit a STARS Report. When able, students should contact their instructors directly to explain their situation. STARS staff will assist by helping students plan instructor communication or, if needed, notify instructors that the student will follow up as soon as possible. Instructors are encouraged to be flexible when appropriate. If academic accommodations are needed upon return, see the next section.

Types of situations to register with Disability Services for academic accommodations:

  1. Recovery that is not resolving in the expected time frame
  2. Recovery that prevents you from writing / typing / lab work
  3. Recovery that impacts your ability to focus
  4. Difficulty using a computer (for example: looking at a screen)

Process: How to register with Disability Services

To register, please have your healthcare provider compete the Disability Verification Form including your expected recovery timeline and current functional needs. Students will be invited to an intake meeting and will receive a temporary accommodations letter to provide to their instructors.

Temporary Academic Accommodations through Disability Services (DS) are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the impact of the condition and the expected recovery timeline. These accommodations are intended to support access and campus participation, not transportation to campus. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.

Examples of temporary accommodations may include:

  • Reading and / or writing support, including audio recording of lectures or assistive technology
  • Testing accommodations
  • Classroom relocation or temporary furniture adjustments for accessibility

Types of situations where the process is typically not through STARS or DS

  1. Concussion - Health Services (Campus Recreation and Athletics have their own process
  2. Pregnancy / postpartum - Pregnant and Parenting Students have protection under Title IX, and should contact Ann Ciaraldi by email: Ann_Ciaraldi@uml.edu or email: Equal_Opportunity@uml.edu.
  3. Transportation around campus - UCard, Access and Parking Services (UCAPS) and Access and Accessibility Maps

If I am going to miss class due to a short term illness, what support is available?

Seasonal or short-term illnesses (example: flu, cold, pink eye) are not considered disabilities. Students should consult their medical provider and communicate directly with instructors. Please review your course syllabi for attendance and absence policies to guide you during short-term illnesses.

What assistance is available for getting to campus and around my classes?

Transportation to and from campus is the student's responsibility and is not part of academic accommodations. While travel may be uncomfortable or require extra effort during recovery, it generally does not prevent access to campus.
Disability Services accommodations focus on classroom access and academic needs rather than transportation. Remote learning is typically not approved, as it is often considered a fundamental alteration to in-person courses. Examples of possible support may include:
  • Temporary classroom adjustments (for example: different seating or tables)
  • Temporary flexibility related to late arrival to class.
All campus shuttles are HP Accessible; please notify the driver if you need the lift feature. To get more information view UMass Lowell Transportation Services' Live Shuttle Tracker.
If medically appropriate, students often find manual knee scooters or wheelchairs helpful to reduce fatigue and carry belongings. Your medical provider can advise on mobility options and whether a temporary HP parking permit may be appropriate.
Students using mobility aids (for example: wheelchairs, manual knee scooters, crutches, canes) should plan accessible routes to class. Mobility devices are considered personal equipment and are not available for loan from the university.
Additional transportation options the student can coordinate and can have the assistance of a family member or friend, may include drop-off by a driver, HP parking, rideshare services, or carpooling. 
Helpful resources include:
  • UCard, Access and Parking Services (UCAPS)
  • Accessibility Maps

Can someone assist me personally?

The university cannot provide assistance with personal tasks, such as scribing for homework, individual aide support or personal health or home-care needs. Staff also cannot excuse absences or missed coursework on student's behalf. As needed, a student may want to consider hiring a Personal Care Assistant. Students should work directly with their instructors to go over late work policies and what options may be available.

I don't think that I can come to campus while I am recovering. What can I do?

Please note that students enrolled in traditional in-person course/programs should expect that in-person attendance and participation are required for all courses. Remote access to fully in-person courses is likely a fundamental alteration to the course that has been designed to be in-person by all students. Disability Services accommodations do not fundamentally alter the design of a course. Depending on your situation, you may wish to review options such as completing coursework during recovery or exploring university policies, including your eligibility for:

Please review each policy carefully to determine whether it applies to your circumstance.

Will Disability Services contact my instructors for me?

Disability Services does not contact faculty for short-term illnesses. Students are responsible for notifying each instructor and coordinating arrangements for missed coursework.  If you are unable to communicate with instructors due to circumstances outside of your control, support may be available through the Student Assessment, Referral and Support (STARS) process.

What if I am already registered with Disability Services and experiencing a flare-up?

Students already affiliated with Disability Services should contact the Disability Services office if they need additional accommodations related to their disability. If this is a temporary issue not related to their registered diagnosis, we can help determine accommodations or may file a Student Assessment, Referral and Support (STARS) report for the student.

I'm worried I may not pass my classes. What options do I have?

Students should contact their instructors as soon as possible to discuss absences and coursework. Instructors have final authority regarding excused absences and grading. Depending on your situation, you may wish to review options such as completing coursework during recovery or exploring university policies, including your eligibility for:

Please review each policy carefully to determine whether it applies to your circumstance. You may want to reach out to your academic or professional advisor (as listed in your NOW Dashboard) to talk through a plan and any potential consequences.
My condition has resolved, but I feel like I still need some support. What options do I have?

Students looking for more support can find help in several departments depending on their needs.