Office of Student Life
Disability Services

Remote Participation

The Ohio State University primarily offers in-person instruction, and many academic programs include essential in-person components that cannot be replicated virtually. 

However, remote participation may be approved for one semester as a reasonable accommodation if a disability-related barrier temporarily prevents a student from attending in person. 

Explore Course Options

 Before requesting a formal accommodation, we strongly recommend that students:

  • Enroll in existing online sections: Check the course catalog for online versions of your required classes.
  • Consult Academic Advising: Your college’s academic advising office can help you explore alternative course sequences or virtual options that align with your degree path. 

Documentation Requirements

If an in-person course is required and you cannot attend physically, you must submit a current letter of support from your healthcare provider. 

Deadlines & Review Process

We review requests on a rolling basis, but early submission is critical for coordination with faculty.

  • Priority Deadline: Three (3) weeks prior to the first day of the academic term.
  • Late Requests: Submissions received after the deadline will still be reviewed; however, please be aware that the review process typically takes several weeks, and course options become increasingly limited as the term begins. 

Parameters for Remote Participation

  • Duration: This accommodation is intended for temporary use (one semester). It is not designed to convert an entire in-person program into a virtual experience. Long-term requests require additional assessment regarding program feasibility.
  • Feasibility Reviews: Eligibility for this accommodation does not guarantee approval for every course. SLDS must collaborate with faculty to ensure remote participation does not fundamentally alter the course design or learning objectives.
  • The Remote Experience: Remote participation in an in-person class is not the same as taking a course designed for online delivery. While faculty will provide access, the experience may not be identical to being in the classroom.
  • Proactive Engagement: If approved, you are encouraged to utilize instructor office hours and campus resources to support your success in a distance learning environment. 

Questions? Contact your Access Specialist or email slds@osu.edu.