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Academic Flexibility

Northwestern students must engage fully and consistently in their academic pursuits.  Students are responsible for adhering to class attendance policies, completing coursework in accordance with established deadlines, and participating respectfully and collaboratively in all learning environments each quarter of enrollment. Northwestern is distinctive in the multidisciplinary journey it offers students. Most students take courses across many disciplines and schools and are responsible for learning and adhering to the policies in each school of enrollment. Undergraduate students enrolled in courses with in-person class meetings are expected to be on campus and in attendance no later than the end of the first week of the quarter. 

Missed Class and Deadline Flexibility

Students are expected to understand their courses’ essential requirements, schedule, and policies as explained on syllabi. Each class may have different expectations regarding attendance, completion of work, and whether there is flexibility within the term. The course policies will determine how absences for legitimate reasons or requests for flexibility can be managed.  

Sometimes students become unable to meet these classroom requirements. Generally, short-term absences that fall within a course’s policies do not need additional action or explanation. In cases when students are unable to engage in classes for longer periods of time, various enrollment options may be available depending on timing within the term including the following: 

Below we list some resources and offices that can assist in particular situations; if you aren’t sure where to start, your school adviser can help. If you need additional support for mental or physical health concerns, consult the 1:1 Support, Self-Care and Get Help Now sections of this website.

AccessibleNU: Academic Accommodations

AccessibleNU (ANU), a unit in the Dean of Students office in Student Affairs, is responsible for the academic and housing accommodation determination and coordination process for students with disabilities. Students with chronic conditions that are episodic in nature who may experience a period of time in which they are unable to attend class may need consideration for attendance flexibility within reason beyond course policies. Students with disabilities should contact ANU and request an accommodation meeting with ANU staff to determine eligibility for disability accommodations. Students are responsible for updating any needed medical information when additional accommodations may be needed. See ANU’s website for further information including how to contact ANU to request an accommodation meeting. 

Academic Work Missed for Short-Term Illness

Students who need to miss class or deadlines due to a short-term illness such as a virus, strep throat, or other common illness should schedule an appointment at Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service in Evanston or Chicago, or a local urgent care and follow the steps outlined here. (As noted above, absences that fall within course policies do not require a medical note)

This process enables students to submit a brief doctor’s note that requests short-term flexibility without disclosing private medical information to their dean’s office, professors, or administrators. When an illness or injury prevents a student from attending several class sessions, students should also schedule an appointment with their academic adviser.  

Student Assistance & Support Services

Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) is a non-clinical case management unit in the Dean of Students office in Student Affairs. Life events can interfere with a student’s ability to be successful at Northwestern. When a challenging situation arises, a student or family may find it difficult to navigate the many resources and services that are available at NU. SASS team members meet with students to learn about their situations, connect with campus resources and help students chart a path forward. SASS can request short term flexibility for a student who is going through unforeseen circumstances. Students can also make an appointment with SASS to discuss reduced courseload or medical leave of absence due to medical or mental health concerns that interfere with the ability to fully and consistently engage in academic pursuits. Students can also work with SASS in situations where they are engaged with a medical provider for a condition that is impacting their academics. Students should not send letters from their medical providers to their instructors. They should engage SASS for assistance. Students can make an appointment with a SASS member by calling the Dean of Students office at 847-491-8430.  

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) provides support for those impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Students who are seeking supportive measures should contact OCR at OCR@northwestern.edu. Examples of supportive measures may include requests for attendance flexibility or short-term deadline flexibility due to an ongoing process or hearing. 

Academic Accommodations for Religious Holidays

Students should notify their instructor by the end of the second week of the term if they will need to miss class due to religious observance. Northwestern’s policy on academic accommodations for religious holidays provides more information.