University of Illinois students who are experiencing a temporary medical condition that substantially limits major life activities may qualify for short-term services and academic modifications through DRES for up to one semester at a time.
Examples of conditions which may result in a need for a temporary academic modification include but are not limited to:
- Physical injuries like broken bones or torn ligaments
- Pregnancy and postpartum diagnoses
- Short term impairments due to surgery or accidents
Duration of Services
If you are seeking services for a temporary medical condition, you will work with an Access Specialist who will help to determine which services and modifications are most appropriate for you based on an individualized assessment of the severity, impact, and length of your condition. If the temporary condition continues to impact you for longer than a semester or if your temporary condition has become a permanent disability, contact your Access Specialist.
Registration Process
To register for temporary services, please complete the Application for Services. This documentation must state your explicit diagnosis of your condition, functional limitations, and expected duration of the temporary condition.
Please note that even though these are temporary services, they do take time to set up, so please contact us as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for implementation.
It is important to note that academic modifications through DRES — including for temporary conditions — are not retroactive. You must have completed the registration process and met with an Access Specialist to discuss appropriate services. These services are effective upon distribution of your Letter of Accommodation to your instructors.
Connie Frank CARE Center
The Connie Frank CARE Center (formerly known as The Student Assistance Center) is the first point of contact for student in need of support for concerns related to health/mental health, course attendance issues. They connect students to campus resources and support students in crisis.
Letters of Absence
If you have missed classes, assignments, exams, etc. due to your temporary medical condition, you may contact the Connie Frank CARE Center in the Office of the Dean of Students to request an absence letter or notification. Please call 217-333-0050 during business hours or send an email to helpdean@illinois.edu to submit your request.
Concussions
If you experienced a recent concussion, you should first contact the CARE Center. If your symptoms extend beyond the range of the CARE Center’s services, we encourage you to register with DRES for a temporary medical condition.