Flexible Attendance Policies for Students with Psychosis

Attendance & Participation

Accommodation	Why?	When?
Flexible attendance policy	Symptoms, medication side effects, or treatment appointments may occasionally make attending class difficult while the student remains capable of completing coursework.	During symptom flare-ups, medication adjustments, or recovery after a mental health crisis.
Excused absences for treatment or medical appointments	Allows students to prioritize psychiatric care without academic penalty.	Therapy, psychiatry appointments, intensive outpatient programs, or medical evaluations.
Alternative methods of participation	Students experiencing anxiety, paranoia, or difficulty speaking in groups can demonstrate participation through written responses or online discussions.	When speaking in class is difficult due to anxiety, paranoia, or cognitive symptoms.
Remote attendance when appropriate	Helps students remain engaged during periods when commuting or crowded environments are especially challenging.	When leaving home or commuting temporarily becomes difficult.
Flexibility for occasional late arrival or early departure	Medication side effects, sleep disruption, or symptom fluctuations can occasionally interfere with punctuality.	Medication changes, sleep disruption, or treatment appointments.
Permission to briefly leave class	Allows students to regulate symptoms before returning to class and continuing to learn.	To use coping skills, reduce distress, or manage symptoms before returning.
Flexible assignment deadlines	Cognitive symptoms or symptom flare-ups may temporarily affect concentration and productivity.	During periods of increased symptoms or medication side effects.
Assignment extensions during symptom flare-ups	Provides time to recover while remaining enrolled and making academic progress.	Following a psychiatric episode or temporary worsening of symptoms.
Electronic assignment submission	Allows students to complete coursework even when they cannot be physically present on campus.	When unable to attend campus because of disability-related reasons.
Breaking large assignments into smaller milestones	Supports executive functioning by making projects more manageable.	For semester-long research papers or projects.
Alternative assignment formats	Gives students another way to demonstrate learning when traditional formats create disability-related barriers.	When disability interferes with a specific assignment format.
Incomplete grade option	Allows students to complete coursework after recovering from a significant mental health episode.	Following hospitalization or a prolonged medical leave.