Concussion Accommodation Policy

I. Scope

This policy applies to all students who suffer a concussion during the academic year and need classroom accommodations as a result.

II. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures that students must follow when they have sustained a concussion and need classroom accommodations as a result of that injury.

III. Definitions

A. Concussion: According to the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. A concussion can cause the following signs and symptoms:

  1. headache
  2. nausea or vomiting
  3. dizziness
  4. altered mental status
  5. change(s) in mood 鈥� increased depression, anxiety, irritability
  6. amnesia
  7. difficulty concentrating or focusing
  8. light or sound sensitivity

B. Short-Term Accommodations: temporary classroom accommodations that may last up to 14 days from the time of injury, such as increased time and extensions/make up option for tests and assignments, attendance modification agreements, etc.

C. Long-Term Accommodations: temporary classroom accommodations that are needed beyond the initial 14 days (i.e. incomplete grade) or accommodations that might require a student to drop or withdraw from a class after the deadline or to apply for a medical leave.

IV. Procedures

The provider who diagnoses the concussion fills in the Temporary Disability Verification (PDF) and returns it to the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at access@goucher.edu. OAS emails the student鈥檚 professors, advisors, and the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies in the case of undergraduate students or the Associate Provost of Curriculum for graduate students to inform them of the accommodations that are in place. If a student needs long-term accommodations, lasting longer than 14 days, additional documentation may be required from OAS.

VI. Related forms

The following forms are related to this policy:

VII. Responsible office

For more information or if you have questions about this policy, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at access@goucher.edu.

VIII. History

Adopted: September 2022

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