Starting this fall, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) is implementing the Course Flexibility Plan (CFP) to support students approved for flexibility-related accommodations. This plan addresses disability-related impacts that may occasionally affect a student’s ability to meet standard deadlines or attendance expectations.
August Edition Access Matters Small changes, lasting impact for all students.
Coming This Fall DRC Launches Course Flexibility Plan (CFP)
What Is the Course Flexibility Plan (CFP)?
The Course Flexibility Plan (CFP) outlines how flexibility—such as assignment extensions or class attendance modifications—will be handled in a specific course for students who are eligible for flexibility-related accommodations.
This plan is:
- Completed by instructors, not students
- Required only when a student in the course requests flexibility accommodations
- Completed once per course and applies to all eligible students in that course
Note: Not all students are eligible for this accommodation. Only students whose documentation and functional limitations support the need for flexibility will be approved by the DRC.
Instructor Responsibilities
When a student is approved for flexibility accommodations in your course, you will be asked to:
- Choose the default plan or customize a plan for your course.
- Complete the Course Flexibility Plan for your course (once per term with the option to copy to future terms or other sections).
- Implement the plan equitably to all eligible students in your course.
When to Complete a CFP
Once a student requests a flexibility accommodation for your course, you’ll be prompted to complete a Course Flexibility Plan (CFP). This plan applies to all students in your course who are approved for flexibility accommodations. Only one CFP is needed per course per term, and you’ll have the option to copy existing plans into future terms to streamline the process.
CFP Submission Timeline:
- If the request is made early in the term, submit the CFP before the last day to drop without a grade.
- For requests made later in the term, complete the CFP within two weeks of receiving the request.
- Instructors must choose one of two available options for managing flexibility in the course.
If a student needs additional flexibility beyond the plan, the DRC will contact the instructor to discuss whether a more individualized plan is reasonable and appropriate.
Completing a CFP
Instructors are responsible for developing and finalizing a Course Flexibility Plan (CFP) for their course for students approved for flexibility with attendance and/or due dates.
To implement a CFP, instructors are required to select one of two available options:
- Choose the Default CFP
Instructors can choose to use the Default CFP, which provides standard flexibility guidelines for attendance and due dates. This option is quick and ensures students receive a consistent level of flexibility without extra customization. If no plan is submitted within the expected timeframe, the Default CFP will automatically apply, and the DRC will finalize it on the instructor’s behalf. - Choose to Customize a CFP for Your Course
If instructors do not choose the Default plan, they may choose to create a custom CFP that outlines flexibility expectations tailored to their specific course design and learning objectives. This option helps ensure that accommodations align with the essential elements of the course while providing the approved flexibility. Please refer to the Flexibility Rubric for detailed guidance and best practices.
When to complete a CFP:
-
Once a student requests a flexibility accommodation for your course, you’ll be prompted to complete a Course Flexibility Plan (CFP). This plan applies to all students in your course who are approved for flexibility accommodations. Only one CFP is needed per course per term, and you’ll have the option to copy existing plans into future terms to streamline the process.
CFP Submission Timeline:
- If the request is made early in the term, submit the CFP before the last day to drop without a grade.
- For requests made later in the term, complete the CFP within two weeks of receiving the request.
- Instructors must choose one of two available options for managing flexibility in the course.
If a student needs additional flexibility beyond the plan, the DRC will contact the instructor to discuss whether a more individualized plan is reasonable and appropriate.
CFP Resources
- Course Flexibility Plan Tutorial: A short, visual guide to help instructors understand and complete the plan.
- Join the DRC Teams Instructor Forum: A dedicated space for faculty and instructors to share concerns, ask questions, and discuss challenges related to the DRC Online Portal.
- Faculty Resource Page: Find guidance on the accommodations process, Course Flexibility Plan, and other tools for creating a supportive learning environment.
- CFP Rubric: Guidelines for determining flexibility for your course.
CFP FAQs
Who completes a CFP?
Instructors complete one Course Flexibility Plan per course—not per student. Once a student in your course requests flexibility accommodations, you'll be notified to complete the plan in the DRC Instructor Portal. Any additional students with the same accommodation in that course will follow the same plan.
What is my role as an instructor?
- Complete the Course Flexibility Plan when prompted
- Apply the plan consistently for all eligible students
- Contact the DRC with questions, concerns, or if revisions are needed
Do all students in the class receive flexibility?
No. Only students who have been approved by the DRC for flexibility accommodations are eligible to use the plan. The plan simply guides how flexibility will be implemented for those specific students.
What kinds of flexibility are typically included?
Plans will outline:
- A limited number of excused absences
- Reasonable extensions on assignments (e.g., 24–48 hours)
- Alternative participation options, when applicable
The plan should not compromise essential course requirements.
What if flexibility isn’t reasonable in my course?
Some courses—especially those with heavy participation components, lab work, or clinical requirements—may not be conducive to flexibility in all areas. If you believe flexibility isn’t feasible, the DRC encourages you to reach out for a consultation. We'll work with you to determine what’s reasonable based on the learning objectives of your course.
How is this new process easier for instructors?
The new Course Flexibility Plan streamlines the process by requiring one plan per course — not per student, meaning instructors no longer have to negotiate or complete separate forms for each individual student. Once a course plan is submitted, it automatically covers all students in that course who are approved for flexibility accommodations — with no additional paperwork needed.
What should I do if multiple students in one course are approved for flexibility?
Great news — the Course Flexibility Plan is designed for that! You only need to complete one plan per course, and it will apply to all students in the course with flexibility accommodations.
What if a student needs more flexibility than outlined in the plan?
If a student needs more flexibility than what is specified in the CFP, please advise them to contact the DRC. Do not agree to changes outside the plan without consulting with the student's DRC consultant.
Can students receive flexibility accommodations retroactively?
No. Flexibility accommodations are not applied retroactively. Students must be approved by the DRC and should communicate with instructors as soon as possible when they need to use their flexibility as outlined in the CFP. Missed deadlines or absences prior to approval or notice are not automatically excused.