A temporary condition can be an injury or illness (i.e., a concussion, broken bone, or the short-term effects following surgery) that usually lasts less than 8 weeks. These temporary conditions may cause unforeseen barriers that impact your academics and overall Rutgers experience in many ways.
Our goal is to facilitate access to classes and services to aid in your time of need. We can provide verification of circumstances to your instructors and identify resources and strategies. Our office cannot convert a class from in-person to online nor advocate for remote instruction for an individual student.
We recognize that this process can be challenging, and we are here to help. However, it is essential that you take an active role in identifying your needs, engaging with offices, and discussing realistic options for academic success. If a condition persists past 8 weeks (about 2 months) or becomes chronic, you may be eligible for assistance through the Office of Disability Services.
Academics
Your first step should be to contact each faculty member or teaching assistant to inform them that your condition may be affecting your attendance, engagement and/or academic performance. Based on the course's structure, they may already have strategies to assist you or be able to identify new options.
If a faculty member requests a Verification Notice for documentation of your condition, please see Absence and Verification Notices.
Note: If you are a graduate student, you are enrolled in a program that may be highly specialized. Because of this, it is crucial to initiate communication with your instructor or department program coordinator about your needs for continued access and engagement in classes. For additional support, you may also want to contact the advising or student services dean for your school. You can find a list of graduate program and school academic deans here.
- Important Tips and Strategies
Speaking with instructors:
Students experiencing temporary conditions should speak with their instructors before scheduling a meeting with DOS-AOS. Instructors ultimately determine what academic considerations are possible based on the course design and requirements for academic engagement. These conversations help clarify what academic supports may be possible and will inform any discussions with DOS-AOS.Absences and requests to move work online:
DOS-AOS can advocate for absences of up to two weeks. However, we cannot request that in-person course content be moved online. In-person classes require attendance as scheduled. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisors if instructors have indicated continued participation may not be possible or a course reduction is advised.Note-taking:
DOS-AOS can advocate for access to lecture notes or permission to record lectures; however, we are unable to provide in-person note-takers. Students are encouraged to request notes from classmates during their recovery period and also see the resources below (Academic Strategies).Exams:
DOS-AOS can advocate for extended time on exams based on the condition. However, students must discuss this directly with their instructors to determine if such academic consideration is appropriate for the course format and feasible for the instructor to coordinate. Please note that students with temporary conditions do not utilize the Office of Disability Services proctoring site; all exams must be arranged by the instructor.Transportation:
The university offers limited resources for transportation assistance. Students with temporary conditions should explore alternatives such as carpooling with friends or adjusting their schedule during Add/Drop periods for options that help minimize travel.
- Academic Strategies
Class Notes
- Use your smartphone, a tablet digital recorder, or other software (e.g., Livescribe smartpen, OneNote, etc.) to record lectures with the instructor's permission.
- Ask a friend or another student in your class to borrow their notes.
- See if your professor is willing to post notes or slides online.
Written or Typed Assignments
- Ask a friend or family member to write or type for you outside of class.
- You may also consider speech-to-text software programs. This technology allows you to speak into the computer through a microphone and the software then converts your speech into written text.
Course Exams and Quizzes:
- Instead of using a scantron, mark answers selections directly on exam.
- Ask your professor, if appropriate, if you can make an appointment with them or a teaching assistant to give oral answers to an exam or lab.
- For lab related experiments or “hands on” exams, orally describe what you would do, why you would do it, what you observe, etc.
- Use your smartphone, a tablet digital recorder, or other software (e.g., Livescribe smartpen, OneNote, etc.) to record lectures with the instructor's permission.
- Mobility and Transportation Needs
Rutgers has a Paratransit Service and Accessible Parking, offered through the Department of Transportation Services (DoTS). You will need to submit an electronic Request Form for the type of service you need. Additionally, your medical provider will need to fill out a Certification of Medical Need (also online). The Paratransit Service can have a waiting list if demand is high.
For Accessible Parking, if you have a temporary handicap placard, you can register it with DoTS. You will not need their medical provider to complete the Certification of Medical Need. Please be aware you will need to pay for a Rutgers parking permit if they do not already have one.
https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/housing-parking-dining/accessible-transportation-and-parking- Assistive Technology
Software
The use of computers is part of most academic requirements, and some injuries may make it difficult to fulfill requirements.
Dictation software can help those who are struggling to type and write due to their injury
- Windows platform – click the Window key + H key to open the dictation function
- Mac platform – go to the Apple menu >System Preferences >Keyboard and select Dictation
- Chromebook Platform – go to Settings > Manage accessibly setting and turn on Enable Dictation.
Notetaking software apps can help with getting notes when writing is difficult. Important: you should get your professor's permission prior to recording.
Free software
Notes Recorder –free versions of this app can be found in the Microsoft Store and Apple App Store that will turn recordings into text. Voice Notes – free version can be found in the Google Play store.
Additional options with a fee
Note Taking Express - is a service that provides notes from lecture recordings. You can upload a recording from either your smartphone or computer. Typed notes will be returned within 24 hours. You can also upload PowerPoint slides, syllabi, and other course materials that may help the note taker with context, vocabulary, or references. More information can be found at https://notetakingexpress.com/GLEAN - is an application that can be used from a computer or mobile device for recording lectures. You can embed PDFs to accompany the audio recording. You can also add your own text notes alongside the recording and can highlight sections of the audio for future reference. More information and tutorial videos can be found at www.glean.com.
LiveScribe™ Pens – record both the audio of lectures and your own written notes, and the two are synced for convenient playback. Notes can then be stored and played back in a variety of applications, including Evernote and Google Docs. More information about the Livescribe pen can be found at www.livescribe.com- Windows platform – click the Window key + H key to open the dictation function
Additional Assistance
If you are running into difficulty navigating this process, please complete this form and a member of our staff will contact you.
