Below are a variety of responses that were received when this question was sent to the austed listserv -
- We have many students registering with temporary or short term conditions like glandular fever, gynaecological issues, serious viral illnesses etc
- We would not register students with basic illnesses like the flu. I would send them directly to the academic to negotiate. I think it’s hard to know. where to draw the line and we generally need the medical condition to be more than a common illness for us to support the student.
- We give 'temporary registration' to someone with a short term conditions such as fractures, car accidents, minor surgery etc which lasts for the current semester. If they want to continue the registration we ask them to reregister and expect some further documentation if they want continuing support. The university's systems should be able to cope with colds and flu viruses. We wouldn't want to buy into that one.
- Generally the term is disability and chronic medical conditions if it is a chronic condition, like Crohn disease or diabetes for instance, then ongoing registration would be fine. Our system here allows for time extensions but done through the Faculties.
- We will support any student identifying with the office and having evidence of a medical condition. It may be that it's just for an exam or for the semester and then we'll reassess depending on the medical advice. Our sense here is that if they do identify we do not want to lose them and we'll assist. Often if the student is supported over a minor 'hurdle' then things will settle down and they'll continue on with less or no support. Sometimes just the thought of our 'safety net' is enough.
- The DDA definitions would include short-term medical conditions. However, it depends what the student wants as to whether or not I will become involved.
- If students just need an extension etc. on medical grounds, they would have to see their Dr to have this confirmed so I would just refer them to their GP. For example, I won't provide notetakers for people who miss a week because of the flu! However, at exam time, if someone has a temporary injury and needs a computer I'll arrange that. Or if a pregnant student needs extra time for toilet breaks I'll arrange that. But I won't set up a separate room for someone with the flu - either they sit the exam or apply for a supplementary exam