Temporary Medical Conditions

Temporary medical conditions such as injuries, surgeries, or acute illnesses may not qualify as permanent disabling conditions. However, Student Accessibility Services does provide assistance to students and guidance on working with a temporary medical condition while attending Buffalo State University.

Students who would like to discuss their temporary medical condition should Register with Student Accessibility Services.

Buffalo State University faculty and staff know these situations often impact students’ ability to attend classes and complete work effectively. Below are additional resources for finding support during a difficult time.

Being seriously incapacitated can create a host of practical and emotional consequences. Seeking support takes many different forms. Discussing the situation with someone may help students sort out their feelings and decide what to do. There are several confidential resources available on campus that can provide students with information that may be helpful in dealing with their situation.

  • Dean of Students Office
  • Weigel Health Center
  • Counseling Center

These are a student's most important allies. Students should keep their faculty informed of difficulties they are facing and be proactive by suggesting possible solutions. (e.g., making up missed work, the need for assistive technology, additional time for exams, getting to class on time, seating, extra space to store crutches). Decisions regarding a student's temporary needs are at the discretion of their faculty.

Students may need to reduce their course load and/or allow additional time in their schedule for schoolwork and rehabilitation. Students should talk with their faculty immediately to reach an agreement regarding classes and assignments they are going to miss or have already missed. This includes making up missed exams and quizzes and time extensions on assignments. There may be other sections of the same class that a student can attend in lieu of the one in which they are registered.

If a student's condition has caused them to miss a major part of the semester, it may be necessary withdraw or to request an incomplete. Students should discuss this with their faculty and academic advisors.

Students may ask a friend or family member to write or type for them for out of class assignments. If this is not possible, students may need to hire a writing or secretarial service to assist them.

Students may also consider speech-to-text software programs. These allow students to speak into the computer through a microphone and the software then converts their speech into written text. Free versions are available in Microsoft Word and Google Docs, or students may purchase specialty software.

Exams may present a special challenge for those with temporary conditions. With advance notice, the strategies listed below might be acceptable alternatives students may suggest to their faculty:

  • Instead of using a Gradescope Bubble Sheet, mark answers selections directly on the exam
  • Instead of handwriting an essay, use a computer
  • For lab related experiments or “hands on” exams, orally describe what they would do, why they would do it, what they observe, etc.
  • If students think they may need extra time to complete an exam, they should let their faculty know in advance
  • Take breaks during the exam
  • Orally record answers

If faculty are unable to accommodate a student for their exam, students should contact Student Accessibility Services for further assistance.

Buffalo State University Parking provides information about parking and transportation services around and on campus. There is no building-to-building shuttle service on campus. For accessible parking, you must have a state-issued accessible license plate, permit, decal, or place card. Temporary injury usually does not qualify for accessible parking.