Those individuals meeting the conditions for being at higher-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 who would like to self-identify their high-risk status, request modifications or accommodations to their work arrangements, work schedule, or disability accommodations under the ADA can do so by following these recommended steps:
Students: It is recommended that you first notify and work with your respective professor(s), advisor(s), department chair(s), college dean(s), to request a temporary modification to your method of instruction. Academic units are encouraged to be flexible with those preferences/requests for temporary alternative arrangements, within the limits of what may be provided without imposing an undue hardship on the professor or creating a fundamental alteration in a course. For example, at the discretion of the professor, and on a case-by-case basis, a professor may provide a temporary modification to the form of instruction, extend due dates, and permit medically related absences. If however, no mutual agreement can be reached and options have been exhausted, the student should submit the COVID-19: High Risk - Request for Reasonable Modification or Accommodation Form.
Employees: It is recommended that you first notify and work with your immediate supervisor to request a temporary modification to your work arrangements or work schedule. Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible with those preferences/requests for temporary alternative work arrangements, within the limits of what may be provided without imposing an undue hardship or creating a fundamental alteration in the University's or department's services. For example, on a case-by-case basis, the University may provide temporary work schedule modifications, minimize the need to be present on campus daily, or permit remote work for those positions that can be performed effectively remotely. If the job duties are such that no alternate arrangements can be agreed for those preference requests at the supervisor/department head level, then the individual should submit the COVID-19: High Risk - Request for Reasonable Modification or Accommodation Form, in order for a more structured ADA review process, to ensure that the supervisors are
- not denying what may be a reasonable accommodation under the ADA and
- not collecting medical documentation.