Extenuating circumstance letters
Sometimes a student’s ability to focus on classes and submit assignments is impacted by major life events. In these situations, UAF works hard to support students in overcoming challenges and maintaining their ability to be successful in the classroom. To support this goal, the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities may send out extenuating circumstance letters.
Extenuating circumstance letters, or ECLs, are electronic letters sent by CSRR to let faculty members know when a student is experiencing an extenuating circumstance. Typically, these letters request additional flexibility in regard to attendance and deadlines for a given time period. An “extenuating circumstance” can include but is not limited to:
- A medical concern, such as an injury or illness;
- Loss of a family member or friend;
- Emergency counseling appointment;
- Quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19;
- Legal requirement, such as testifying in court or acting a juror; or
- Title IX-related issue.
Students are still required to make up any missed work and adhere to all learning objectives. Assignments, deadlines and attendance that fall outside of the period indicated in the ECL should be graded based on the standards of the course. If an ECL needs to be altered or expanded, the CSRR will send out updated ECLs documenting this change.
The student, or a third party on behalf of the student, can request ECLs by contacting the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students are required to provide supporting documentation of their extenuating circumstances prior to an ECL being sent. Documentation can include a letter of support from a doctor or provider, obituary, medical paperwork, legal paperwork, etc.
ECLs are not accommodations. ECLs are intended to be short-term. They do not request major changes to the format of the classroom or provide external resources. Accommodations for a diagnosed disability must come from Disability Services.
If you have questions about this process or a specific ECL, please contact the CSRR.
Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities
907-474-7317
uaf-studentrights@alaska.edu