Behind the Deadline: Why Assignment Extensions are Beneficial for Disabled Students
At university, dealing with a variety of assignment briefs which have multiple deadlines can be an overwhelming experience for any student. Each semester, this salient period of the academic calendar requires an individual to be aware of their time management, their research skills, and their academic writing.
To some individuals, the process of completing an assignment from beginning to end may seem like a simple linear task. However, for students with a physical or hidden disability, this component of their course can add another layer of difficulty or trepidation. Overall, assignment deadlines for a disabled student can trigger anxiety, stress or leave them feeling unsure of how to write several high-quality essays - that can be due in the same week or sometimes on the same day!
During my undergraduate studies, I utilised deadline extensions for my literature assignments. In the first year of my degree, I had four extensive essays to complete over the Christmas break. Initially, I thought that I could complete these briefs efficiently but as the New Year approached - I knew that I needed additional time for two essays.
At first, I found myself feeling anxious about asking my lecturer for an extension. I emailed them politely asking them kindly if this would be granted for my two essays, as it would allow me to complete my final pieces of coursework to a high standard. I received a quick response from my lecturer the same day, who reassured me that this was not a problem or issue. Furthermore, they reassured me that I did not need to provide a detailed and long-winded explanation for why I needed these extensions.
For me, sending that initial email felt like an important step. Once I had done this, I realised that asking for an extension was something that I should not have been embarrassed or nervous about. Having that open line of communication with my lecturers made them fundamentally aware of how my hidden disabilities may affect me during assignment season. Having my Student Needs Agreement in place for my studies allowed me to have greater flexibility with deadlines. I continued to use extensions, when necessary, throughout the remainder of my degree.
On reflection, an extension did not make me feel different from my peers or allow me to lower my academic standards. Instead, it granted me a longer period to plan my workload accordingly, conduct extensive research and produce work that reflected my abilities - to a standard I was satisfied with.
If you need additional time for an assignment, please complete the following steps:
1. Speak to UH’s Student Wellbeing Team. If you have an SLA, make sure you are aware of what support is available to you. If your condition has not been formally diagnosed, the wellbeing team can outline what resources are relevant to you.
2. Arrange an in-person or virtual conversation with your lecturer. Explain your circumstances, why you require extra time for an assignment, and if helpful, refer to the adjustments in your SLA.
3. Once your extension has been granted, check that it has been updated correctly on your Canvas profile.
Aimee Hudson, Disability Student Advocate, BA English Literature with Film Graduate at the University of Hertfordshire and current MA English Literature and Culture Student at Herts.
I started working as a Disability Student Advocate during the final year of my undergraduate studies. This position has allowed me to gain extensive insight into supporting students in making sure Herts is accessible for all, as well as championing neurodiversity through several projects and events. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping the Student Wellbeing department in promoting the range of support services they offer both students with hidden and physical disabilities.