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Temporary Injuries and Short-Term Illnesses

Students with temporary injuries or significant short-term illnesses may request temporary accommodations from Student Disability Services. While these conditions do not necessarily rise to the level of a disability, SDS may engage the student to provide accommodations on a temporary basis. Examples of temporary illnesses and injuries include:

  • Concussions
  • Broken or sprained limbs
  • Recovery from significant surgery

Classroom accommodations are not typically needed for short-term illnesses, such as the flu, sinus infection, mononucleosis, or strep throat. The primary academic impact of these illnesses are absences. As such, they are not accommodated through Student Disability Services. Students with such short-term illnesses should seek treatment from their healthcare provider or the Student Health Center as soon as possible and communicate with their professors about any potential academic impact resulting from the illness.

The Office of the Dean of Students assists students who are unable to attend class due to emergency situations/extenuating circumstances (i.e., medical illness, hospitalization, death/bereavement, etc.). Students needing assistance with notifying their professors about an injury, or illness-related absences may complete the Absence Notification Form from the Office of the Dean of Students website or call the office at (865) 974-3179.

Assistance with On-Campus Transportation 

Students with temporary illnesses or injuries who only need assistance with on-campus transportation may complete the T-Access Request Form and submit documentation about their condition. Students are encouraged to review information on the SDS Parking and Transportation page prior to submitting a request.

Academic Accommodations and More

Students needing academic assistance due to an injury or illness must complete the Student Application on the SDS website and submit documentation about their condition. Following the submission, please contact SDS at 865-974-6087 or 865-622-6566 for consumers who are Deaf or via email at sds@utk.edu to schedule a meeting with a coordinator.