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Academic adjustments/exam access arrangements

What are academic adjustments?

Academic adjustments, including exam access arrangements, are special dispensations that compensate for disadvantages brought about by disability or chronic or mental illness; the point is not to give the candidates an advantage over fellow students but to level the playing field, i.e. enabling the affected students to complete their studies and examinations under conditions that come as close as possible to those encountered by students who do not have a disability or chronic or mental illness.

Since such compensatory measures must always be adapted to a person's individual needs, there can be no generally binding rules or standard modifications of exam conditions for specific types of disability or chronic illness. In cooperation with teaching staff, the disabilities officer and Examinations Office should work to find the best possible solution for each individual.

Academic adjustments granted during the degree programme are not indicated on the Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate.

Please do not hesitate to seek advice from the Student Disabilities Officer, Dr Ulrike Bunge. She is bound by the duty of confidentiality, advises neutrally and without obligation, also anonymously if you wish. You can arrange a consultation by calling +49 851 509 1154 or sending an e-mail to studieren-mit-beeintraechtigung@uni-passau.de.

Student Disabilities Officer

Dr. Ulrike Bunge
Dr. Ulrike Bunge
Raum VW 114
Tel.: +49(0)851/509-1151

Examinations Office

Christiane Walther-Oeckel
Christiane Walther-Oeckel
Room VW 209
Innstr. 41
Phone: +49(0)851/509-1576
Fax: +49(0)851/509-1145
Web

Students who, due to a disability, a long-term serious or chronic illness or mental illness, are unable to take examinations in whole or in part under the prescribed conditions or to take them within the deadlines specified in the study and examination regulations, may apply for academic adjustments/exam access arrangements.

Students of the undergraduate law (state examination) programme are advised that the standards applied by the Bayerisches Landesjustizprüfungsamt (Bavarian state examination office for law) differ from those of the University with regard to the granting of exam access arrangements for the law state examination. In the event of a conflict with the present guidelines, the rules applied by the Landesjustizprüfungsamt take priority for this degree programme.

  • Time extensions for written examinations, term papers, thesis/dissertations and/or oral examinations
  • Examination in a separate room with a separate invigilator
  • Change of exam type: oral exam instead of written exam or vice versa; individual examination instead of group examination
  • Extension of the period of study
  • Use of technical aids
  • Study assistance in the form of a student assistant (reading texts aloud, taking notes in class, text entry into a computer system)

In order to apply for academic adjustments/exam access arrangements, the Examinations Office requires various applications and documents from you, which you must submit to the Examinations Office during the exam registration period at the latest:

  1. the completed Exam Access Arrangement Application Form [German content]
  2. a current medical certificate from a general practitioner/family doctor or, if applicable, from a consultant; this must not be older than three months
    Please note the requirements for the certificate indicated in this information sheet.
  3. if available: confirmation letters from previously attended schools or universities showing any previously granted adjustments or access arrangements.
  4. if available: disabled pass or other medical certificates.

Please submit these documents by e-mail to nachteilsausgleich_studierende@uni-passau.de, by post or in person to Ms Christiane Walther-Oeckel (Examinations Office, Innstrasse 41, room VW 209).

The chairperson of the Board of Examiners will decide on your application within three weeks. Subsequently, the Examinations Office send you an official notice (“Bescheid”) of the decision.

In the case of the University law examination, the Dean of the Faculty of Law will decide. For details, see the subject study and examination regulation for your degree programme or the general study and examination regulation of your faculty.

If your application is successful:

Following a successful application for exam access arrangements you must inform those in charge of planning the examinations in good time:

Please refer to the overview provided by the Examinations Office to find out whether an examination is centrally organised or decentralised.

You must reapply for academic adjustments/access arrangements during each semester and for each examination.

If your academic adjustments/access arrangements are not approved or have not been implemented, please contact the Student Disabilities Officer.

Please also read the guide on academic adjustments for students with impairments (especially with mental and chronic illnesses).

Students studying to become teachers can submit a signed letter requesting exam access arrangements.

Deadline (receipt by post by the Ministry of State):

  • Examination date in autumn: by 1 June of the current year,
  • Examination date in spring: by 1 December of the previous year.

Please send the application by post to the following address:

Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus
Prüfungsamt
Salvatorstraße 2
80333 München

Medical certificate

An official medical certificate is always required for the application for exam access arrangements for state examinations. In addition, you can enclose a copy of your disability pass with the application for exam access arrangements.

The official medical report must certify that due to a non-temporary disability and/or chronic illness you will suffer a considerable impairment when taking the exam. Furthermore, the report should make a recommendation by what percentage the working time should be extended or what other compensatory measures should be taken.

In the case of exam access arrangements for diagnosed dyslexia, the recommendations of the public medical officer are generally decisive. Since spelling and grammar are also marked in state examinations, applications for non-assessment of spelling and grammar usually have no chance of success.

Information sheet [German content]

Contact person at the State Ministry:

Ulrich Lutz (STMBW)
E-mail: Ulrich.Lutz@stmuk.bayern.de

First State Examination for Law

To apply for exam access arrangements for state examinations in the study of law (Erste Juristische Staatsprüfung), you should send a letter or e-mail to the Landesjustizprüfungsamt (there is no specific form for this). You can find the contact details at the Landesjustizprüfungsamt under the heading “Nachteilsausgleich”.

The application must be received no later than six weeks before the beginning of the written examination (§ 13(3) sentence 1 JAPO).

This must always be accompanied by a certificate from a district court physician or a district health authority (§ 13 (3) sentence 2 JAPO). In principle, the Landgerichtsarzt (district court physician) or the Gesundheitsamt (district health authority) at the applicant's place of residence have jurisdiction. It is helpful to bring and present existing medical documents and official notices of a previously approved university academic adjustment/access arrangement (if available) to the medical examination so that the medical officer can better assess possible compensatory measures.

The medical certificate should indicate the nature of the illness or impairment and the effects on the your ability to sit the examination.

Exam access arrangements in the JAPO [German content]

Health conditions and possible academic adjustments

Mobility impairments

Mobility impairments are usually recognisable at first glance and are therefore the most present in society's consciousness. These include damage to the musculoskeletal system such as paralysis, deformities and loss of limbs, as well as neurological, muscle and joint diseases. Mobility impairments often require the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walking aids or prostheses.

What effect does this have on studying?

Mobility impairments can make everyday study life considerably more difficult. Permanent therapies (e.g. physiotherapy) take up a lot of time. Even if the senses of perception are not affected, restricted mobility can have an impact on social interaction, e.g. the ability to turn towards others, and thus hinder participation in conversational situations. In addition, more time is needed for most activities, e.g. for writing, which has an impact on taking notes, writing papers and taking exams. It also takes longer to obtain and consume literature and to travel. Longer distances often have to be covered to get from one building to another without barriers.

Other problems for students with mobility impairments are structural barriers such as inadequate access/entrances, blocked entrances and corridors, missing or non-functioning lifts, workstations that cannot be driven under or insufficient space, e.g. for wheelchairs.

How can you help?

  • Courses: Procurement of a barrier-free room (accessibility, space for wheelchair); being tolerant of late arrival; allowing recordings if required
  • Materials: early distribution of scripts/handouts to make it easier to take notes

Information for members of the examination committees or examination commissions

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination or other written coursework: Extension of time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • if necessary, oral substitute examination or alternatively assistance (in prior consultation with the examiners)
  • Time extension for presentations, seminar papers and theses
  • Lectures: authorisation for online participation if attendance is compulsory
  • Laptop provided by the University (sometimes typing is easier)
  • Duration of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines (in some cases, counselling is mandatory with the degree programme coordinator)
  • Assistance, e.g. with taking notes in courses, help with library research
  • Options to sit or stand or to alternate

Proof: medical certificate or specialist medical certificate if necessary

Mobility

Mobility

Mobility impairments

Mobility impairments are usually recognisable at first glance and are therefore the most present in society's consciousness. These include damage to the musculoskeletal system such as paralysis, deformities and loss of limbs, as well as neurological, muscle and joint diseases. Mobility impairments often require the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walking aids or prostheses.

What effect does this have on studying?

Mobility impairments can make everyday study life considerably more difficult. Permanent therapies (e.g. physiotherapy) take up a lot of time. Even if the senses of perception are not affected, restricted mobility can have an impact on social interaction, e.g. the ability to turn towards others, and thus hinder participation in conversational situations. In addition, more time is needed for most activities, e.g. for writing, which has an impact on taking notes, writing papers and taking exams. It also takes longer to obtain and consume literature and to travel. Longer distances often have to be covered to get from one building to another without barriers.

Other problems for students with mobility impairments are structural barriers such as inadequate access/entrances, blocked entrances and corridors, missing or non-functioning lifts, workstations that cannot be driven under or insufficient space, e.g. for wheelchairs.

How can you help?

  • Courses: Procurement of a barrier-free room (accessibility, space for wheelchair); being tolerant of late arrival; allowing recordings if required
  • Materials: early distribution of scripts/handouts to make it easier to take notes

Information for members of the examination committees or examination commissions

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination or other written coursework: Extension of time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • if necessary, oral substitute examination or alternatively assistance (in prior consultation with the examiners)
  • Time extension for presentations, seminar papers and theses
  • Lectures: authorisation for online participation if attendance is compulsory
  • Laptop provided by the University (sometimes typing is easier)
  • Duration of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines (in some cases, counselling is mandatory with the degree programme coordinator)
  • Assistance, e.g. with taking notes in courses, help with library research
  • Options to sit or stand or to alternate

Proof: medical certificate or specialist medical certificate if necessary

Mobility

More

Visual impairments

Visual impairment refers to the impairment of visual perception in terms of visual acuity, field of vision and/or colour perception. The gradations range from colour vision defects to varying degrees of visual impairment and blindness. Visual impairments are not always externally noticeable.

What effect does this have on studying?

Significantly more time is needed not only for navigating around unfamiliar rooms, but also for most study-related tasks, such as obtaining and working through literature. Additional effort is required in particular when materials are not available digitally and a literature conversion, e.g. in Braille, has to be organised. Students with visual impairments often have visual aids and technical aids themselves, e.g. dictation devices, screen readers and notebooks with speech input and output or with a Braille display as a keyboard supplement. Nevertheless, the abundance of printed texts and visually prepared content represents a major hurdle.

Visual impairments mean that non-verbal signals such as gestures and facial expressions, such as nodding and smiling, can hardly be recognised or not at all. It is therefore difficult for those affected to get involved in discussion rounds and working groups.

For students with visual impairments, the availability of study materials in a form that they can read, e.g. digitally or in large print, is essential. The early provision of scripts, reading lists and presentation topics enables them to prepare well and organise their study matters in good time, which in turn creates security in everyday study life.

How can you help?

  • Directly addressing the student by name and saying who you are
  • Explaining images and verbalising: e.g. “I am reaching towards you. I am putting the book right in front of you.”
  • Speaking clearly whilst turned towards the student using very precise expression
  • Using a microphone in larger rooms because students only receive information acoustically
  • Making written documents such as lecture notes, reading lists, presentation and term paper topics available early on and in an accessible way
  • Ensuring good legibility and contrast on whiteboards and in PowerPoint presentations
  • Giving permission to record lectures and providing students with PowerPoint presentations
  • Helping with orientation: e.g. indicating free seats, exits
  • Avoiding vague information such as “over there in the back”

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination or other written coursework: extra time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • Authorisation of aids: e.g. reading magnifier
  • Duration of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines (in some cases, a consultation with the degree programme coordinators is obligatory)

Proof: medical certificate or specialist medical certificate if applicable

Vision

Vision

Visual impairments

Visual impairment refers to the impairment of visual perception in terms of visual acuity, field of vision and/or colour perception. The gradations range from colour vision defects to varying degrees of visual impairment and blindness. Visual impairments are not always externally noticeable.

What effect does this have on studying?

Significantly more time is needed not only for navigating around unfamiliar rooms, but also for most study-related tasks, such as obtaining and working through literature. Additional effort is required in particular when materials are not available digitally and a literature conversion, e.g. in Braille, has to be organised. Students with visual impairments often have visual aids and technical aids themselves, e.g. dictation devices, screen readers and notebooks with speech input and output or with a Braille display as a keyboard supplement. Nevertheless, the abundance of printed texts and visually prepared content represents a major hurdle.

Visual impairments mean that non-verbal signals such as gestures and facial expressions, such as nodding and smiling, can hardly be recognised or not at all. It is therefore difficult for those affected to get involved in discussion rounds and working groups.

For students with visual impairments, the availability of study materials in a form that they can read, e.g. digitally or in large print, is essential. The early provision of scripts, reading lists and presentation topics enables them to prepare well and organise their study matters in good time, which in turn creates security in everyday study life.

How can you help?

  • Directly addressing the student by name and saying who you are
  • Explaining images and verbalising: e.g. “I am reaching towards you. I am putting the book right in front of you.”
  • Speaking clearly whilst turned towards the student using very precise expression
  • Using a microphone in larger rooms because students only receive information acoustically
  • Making written documents such as lecture notes, reading lists, presentation and term paper topics available early on and in an accessible way
  • Ensuring good legibility and contrast on whiteboards and in PowerPoint presentations
  • Giving permission to record lectures and providing students with PowerPoint presentations
  • Helping with orientation: e.g. indicating free seats, exits
  • Avoiding vague information such as “over there in the back”

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination or other written coursework: extra time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • Authorisation of aids: e.g. reading magnifier
  • Duration of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines (in some cases, a consultation with the degree programme coordinators is obligatory)

Proof: medical certificate or specialist medical certificate if applicable

Vision

More

Speech impairments

The group of speech and language impairments includes voice, speech and swallowing disorders such as stuttering, cluttering and aphasia. There are many different causes, e.g. accidents, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, tumour diseases and impaired hearing. With speech and language impairments, speaking is less fluent than thinking. This is particularly stressful in communication situations and increases the pressure in group discussions, presentations and oral examinations.

What effect does this have on studying?

This impairment primarily affects oral participation and oral exams. Articulating and speaking clearly requires a great deal of concentration from students with speech impairments. In addition, the students concerned are under immense pressure when they (have to) speak. The fear of not being able to articulate themselves, of not being taken seriously, of embarrassing themselves in front of others is a burden. Some therefore avoid speaking and isolate themselves socially.

How can you help?

  • Do not complete their sentences
  • Do not give advice such as: "Speak slowly", "Take a deep breath"
  • Avoid time pressure and impatience: Discuss with students the circumstances under which oral work can be completed.
  • Allow teamwork so that the students concerned may not have to give a presentation

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Allow alternative presentation formats, possibly presentations only in front of the examiner or in a smaller group instead of the whole group
  • Allow technical aids such as audio files
  • Extra time for oral examinations and presentations
  • Replacement of oral with written coursework

Proof: medical certificate or specialist medical certificate if applicable

Speaking

Speaking

Speech impairments

The group of speech and language impairments includes voice, speech and swallowing disorders such as stuttering, cluttering and aphasia. There are many different causes, e.g. accidents, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, tumour diseases and impaired hearing. With speech and language impairments, speaking is less fluent than thinking. This is particularly stressful in communication situations and increases the pressure in group discussions, presentations and oral examinations.

What effect does this have on studying?

This impairment primarily affects oral participation and oral exams. Articulating and speaking clearly requires a great deal of concentration from students with speech impairments. In addition, the students concerned are under immense pressure when they (have to) speak. The fear of not being able to articulate themselves, of not being taken seriously, of embarrassing themselves in front of others is a burden. Some therefore avoid speaking and isolate themselves socially.

How can you help?

  • Do not complete their sentences
  • Do not give advice such as: "Speak slowly", "Take a deep breath"
  • Avoid time pressure and impatience: Discuss with students the circumstances under which oral work can be completed.
  • Allow teamwork so that the students concerned may not have to give a presentation

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Allow alternative presentation formats, possibly presentations only in front of the examiner or in a smaller group instead of the whole group
  • Allow technical aids such as audio files
  • Extra time for oral examinations and presentations
  • Replacement of oral with written coursework

Proof: medical certificate or specialist medical certificate if applicable

Speaking

More

Hearing impairments

Hearing impairments result in varying degrees of hearing loss. A distinction is made according to the degree and time of onset: congenital, acquired/delayed onset, and hardness of hearing.

Congenital deafness exists from birth. Spoken language is learnt like a foreign language. The understanding of concepts, vocabulary and spoken language are severely limited.

In the case of acquired deafness which developed over the course of life, spoken language could usually be learnt, so that the controlled use of articulation and vocal volume is usually mastered. With both hearing impairments, communication is primarily via signs and sign language.

Hardness of hearing is accompanied by distorted and fragmented, indistinct hearing, in which interfering or background noises such as rustling, street noise and overlapping conversations cannot be distinguished from words. Technical aids are generally used for hearing loss, e.g. hearing aids that amplify sounds but neither block out background noise nor compensate for what is not heard, as well as microport systems and induction loops that send sounds directly from the signal source to a receiver.

What effect does this have on studying?

The greatest difficulty for students with hearing impairments is communication and not understanding or only partially understanding spoken contributions in seminars and lectures, but also in group work. It is virtually impossible to follow a lecture and at the same time read the blackboard or take notes. The students concerned often only understand fragments of what is said and have to deduce the overall content from this.

Lip-reading cannot fully compensate for this loss of information. Lip-reading is often only possible to a very limited extent in discussions because there is usually no direct visual contact with all the participants in the discussion. In addition, hearing aids transmit information with a slight time delay, making it difficult for students with hearing impairments to participate adequately in discussions. Furthermore, students whose hearing impairment affects their speech often have problems being understood. When congenitally deaf students write papers, they often make similar mistakes to foreign language speakers, as they too have only learnt German as a second language.

Sometimes, hearing loss can mean that students hear less well in a certain frequency range. They may therefore perceive different voices differently and may not be able to understand what is being said in some voices. This means that oral examinations are not always possible.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Speak facing the students so that lip-reading is possible
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Ensure good lighting conditions, avoid backlighting
  • Have as little background noise as possible: rooms with little reverberation, reduce noise levels by closing doors/windows and suppressing conversations in between
  • Reserve seats in the front rows
  • Seating arrangement in a semicircle during discussions
  • Use of microport systems and, where available, induction loops
  • Repeat plenary contributions via microphone

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials for teaching content conveyed via audio
  • Written notification of important information such as dates, presentation topics and information on examinations
  • Offering subtitles
  • If sign language interpreters are used, provide them with materials at an early stage so that they can familiarise themselves with technical terms
  • Write down the results of discussions
  • Agree to the recording of courses

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Oral examinations: Additional time for preparation, opportunity to ask questions, use of technical aids (own microphones, hearing aids, FM systems)
  • Replacement of oral examination by written examination form
  • Replacement of oral group examination by individual examination
  • Allow technical aids, e.g. microphones, hearing aids
  • Allowing written interpreting/typing assistance
  • Deadline and time extensions for working on exam questions
  • No listening comprehension tasks for language exams
  • Quiet examination room without reverberation or undisturbed environment/examination room with a limited number of participants
  • Written examination or other written coursework: time extension, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also fewer)

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

Hearing

Hearing

Hearing impairments

Hearing impairments result in varying degrees of hearing loss. A distinction is made according to the degree and time of onset: congenital, acquired/delayed onset, and hardness of hearing.

Congenital deafness exists from birth. Spoken language is learnt like a foreign language. The understanding of concepts, vocabulary and spoken language are severely limited.

In the case of acquired deafness which developed over the course of life, spoken language could usually be learnt, so that the controlled use of articulation and vocal volume is usually mastered. With both hearing impairments, communication is primarily via signs and sign language.

Hardness of hearing is accompanied by distorted and fragmented, indistinct hearing, in which interfering or background noises such as rustling, street noise and overlapping conversations cannot be distinguished from words. Technical aids are generally used for hearing loss, e.g. hearing aids that amplify sounds but neither block out background noise nor compensate for what is not heard, as well as microport systems and induction loops that send sounds directly from the signal source to a receiver.

What effect does this have on studying?

The greatest difficulty for students with hearing impairments is communication and not understanding or only partially understanding spoken contributions in seminars and lectures, but also in group work. It is virtually impossible to follow a lecture and at the same time read the blackboard or take notes. The students concerned often only understand fragments of what is said and have to deduce the overall content from this.

Lip-reading cannot fully compensate for this loss of information. Lip-reading is often only possible to a very limited extent in discussions because there is usually no direct visual contact with all the participants in the discussion. In addition, hearing aids transmit information with a slight time delay, making it difficult for students with hearing impairments to participate adequately in discussions. Furthermore, students whose hearing impairment affects their speech often have problems being understood. When congenitally deaf students write papers, they often make similar mistakes to foreign language speakers, as they too have only learnt German as a second language.

Sometimes, hearing loss can mean that students hear less well in a certain frequency range. They may therefore perceive different voices differently and may not be able to understand what is being said in some voices. This means that oral examinations are not always possible.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Speak facing the students so that lip-reading is possible
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Ensure good lighting conditions, avoid backlighting
  • Have as little background noise as possible: rooms with little reverberation, reduce noise levels by closing doors/windows and suppressing conversations in between
  • Reserve seats in the front rows
  • Seating arrangement in a semicircle during discussions
  • Use of microport systems and, where available, induction loops
  • Repeat plenary contributions via microphone

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials for teaching content conveyed via audio
  • Written notification of important information such as dates, presentation topics and information on examinations
  • Offering subtitles
  • If sign language interpreters are used, provide them with materials at an early stage so that they can familiarise themselves with technical terms
  • Write down the results of discussions
  • Agree to the recording of courses

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Oral examinations: Additional time for preparation, opportunity to ask questions, use of technical aids (own microphones, hearing aids, FM systems)
  • Replacement of oral examination by written examination form
  • Replacement of oral group examination by individual examination
  • Allow technical aids, e.g. microphones, hearing aids
  • Allowing written interpreting/typing assistance
  • Deadline and time extensions for working on exam questions
  • No listening comprehension tasks for language exams
  • Quiet examination room without reverberation or undisturbed environment/examination room with a limited number of participants
  • Written examination or other written coursework: time extension, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also fewer)

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

Hearing

More

Chronic conditions are usually not visible or not visible at first glance. Chronic conditions include allergies, asthma, intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, diabetes, epilepsy, skin diseases (e.g. neurodermatitis), heart disease, multiple sclerosis, neurological diseases, kidney disease, rheumatism, Long Covid and many more. Chronic conditions have a lasting effect on lifestyle and therefore also on everyday student life. “Good” phases alternate with bouts of illness, which characterises the entire course of study. The state of health often worsens in stressful phases such as exam periods or shortly before deadlines.

What effect does this have on studying?

Chronic conditions may mean that food and/or medication must be consumed, environmental irritants avoided or rest breaks taken during the course. Concentration problems can also occur due to pain attacks, lack of sleep and side effects from medication. Attendance requirements cannot always be met due to pain, periods of illness or important visits to medical specialists. In addition, long periods of illness and treatment can reduce physical resilience and impair learning speed and performance. As a result, students often need longer to write assignments and prepare for exams.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Avoid time pressure
  • Relax compulsory attendance
  • Tolerate absences and have them made up for with alternative work

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials to compensate for absences due to illness through good preparation and follow-up work
  • Permission to record courses in the event of absence due to illness or urgent medical appointments
  • Early announcement of relevant literature and presentation topics

Emergencies

Epileptic seizures lasting longer than five minutes, hypoglycaemic shock (“low blood sugar”) and severe allergic reactions, such as strong skin and mucous membrane reactions, asthma or allergic shock, always require an emergency doctor to be called, telephone: 112.

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination or other written coursework: extra time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • Aids for diabetes:
    • Extra time for written examinations
    • Utensils for measuring and regulating blood glucose levels (e.g. insulin pen, mobile phone)
    • Bringing along syringes and utensils for taking measurements
    • Permission to eat and drink during the exam
  • Internship: adapted conditions
  • Reduction of regular attendance in courses
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

Chronic conditions

Chronic conditions

Chronic conditions are usually not visible or not visible at first glance. Chronic conditions include allergies, asthma, intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, diabetes, epilepsy, skin diseases (e.g. neurodermatitis), heart disease, multiple sclerosis, neurological diseases, kidney disease, rheumatism, Long Covid and many more. Chronic conditions have a lasting effect on lifestyle and therefore also on everyday student life. “Good” phases alternate with bouts of illness, which characterises the entire course of study. The state of health often worsens in stressful phases such as exam periods or shortly before deadlines.

What effect does this have on studying?

Chronic conditions may mean that food and/or medication must be consumed, environmental irritants avoided or rest breaks taken during the course. Concentration problems can also occur due to pain attacks, lack of sleep and side effects from medication. Attendance requirements cannot always be met due to pain, periods of illness or important visits to medical specialists. In addition, long periods of illness and treatment can reduce physical resilience and impair learning speed and performance. As a result, students often need longer to write assignments and prepare for exams.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Avoid time pressure
  • Relax compulsory attendance
  • Tolerate absences and have them made up for with alternative work

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials to compensate for absences due to illness through good preparation and follow-up work
  • Permission to record courses in the event of absence due to illness or urgent medical appointments
  • Early announcement of relevant literature and presentation topics

Emergencies

Epileptic seizures lasting longer than five minutes, hypoglycaemic shock (“low blood sugar”) and severe allergic reactions, such as strong skin and mucous membrane reactions, asthma or allergic shock, always require an emergency doctor to be called, telephone: 112.

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination or other written coursework: extra time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • Aids for diabetes:
    • Extra time for written examinations
    • Utensils for measuring and regulating blood glucose levels (e.g. insulin pen, mobile phone)
    • Bringing along syringes and utensils for taking measurements
    • Permission to eat and drink during the exam
  • Internship: adapted conditions
  • Reduction of regular attendance in courses
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

Chronic conditions

More

Mental conditions include depression, neuroses, psychoses, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorders as well as anxiety, eating and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Mental conditions are usually not visible to outsiders.

Students with mental conditions can exhibit a wide range of symptoms. These include: mood swings, reduced ability to concentrate, communication problems and difficulties in dealing with other people (social withdrawal). In addition, prescribed medication can cause side effects such as tiredness, forgetfulness or concentration problems. Even if students with mental conditions are being treated with medication and/or psychotherapy, the symptoms can occur at irregular intervals, especially during stressful phases. The students concerned have often experienced discrimination. These conditions are usually concealed out of shame or fear of stigmatisation.

What effect does this have on studying?

Because mental conditions manifest themselves episodically and particularly in stressful phases such as examination periods or before deadlines, it is often not possible to sit examinations, or at least not to a “normal” extent. Performance often depends on the course of the condition: During an acute episode, those affected are barely or not at all able to study and sit exams; in phases when students are relatively well, they are able to perform, but usually not to the same extent as their fellow students. However, after successful psychotherapy and medication, it is also possible that performance is fully restored. Nevertheless, medication can cause severe side effects such as poor concentration, memory problems, sleep disorders and tiredness.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Avoid excessive demands and time pressure
  • Tolerate absences and have them made up for with alternative work
  • Pay attention to clear structures

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials to compensate for absences due to illness through good preparation and follow-up work
  • Early announcement of relevant literature and presentation topics
  • Written notification of important information such as deadlines, presentation topics, information on examinations

Please refer students with mental conditions to the Psychological-Psychotherapeutic Counselling Service at the University of Passau.

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments

  • Written examination or other written coursework: extra time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • Term paper: additional time
  • Presentation: exclusion of the plenum (in the case of anxiety disorders)
  • Oral examination: individual examination, online if necessary (in the case of anxiety disorders)
  • Internship: adapted conditions such as part-time, splitting
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate or certificate from a psychological psychotherapist or a child and adolescent psychotherapist (up to 21 years of age)

Mental conditions

Mental conditions

Mental conditions include depression, neuroses, psychoses, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorders as well as anxiety, eating and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Mental conditions are usually not visible to outsiders.

Students with mental conditions can exhibit a wide range of symptoms. These include: mood swings, reduced ability to concentrate, communication problems and difficulties in dealing with other people (social withdrawal). In addition, prescribed medication can cause side effects such as tiredness, forgetfulness or concentration problems. Even if students with mental conditions are being treated with medication and/or psychotherapy, the symptoms can occur at irregular intervals, especially during stressful phases. The students concerned have often experienced discrimination. These conditions are usually concealed out of shame or fear of stigmatisation.

What effect does this have on studying?

Because mental conditions manifest themselves episodically and particularly in stressful phases such as examination periods or before deadlines, it is often not possible to sit examinations, or at least not to a “normal” extent. Performance often depends on the course of the condition: During an acute episode, those affected are barely or not at all able to study and sit exams; in phases when students are relatively well, they are able to perform, but usually not to the same extent as their fellow students. However, after successful psychotherapy and medication, it is also possible that performance is fully restored. Nevertheless, medication can cause severe side effects such as poor concentration, memory problems, sleep disorders and tiredness.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Avoid excessive demands and time pressure
  • Tolerate absences and have them made up for with alternative work
  • Pay attention to clear structures

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials to compensate for absences due to illness through good preparation and follow-up work
  • Early announcement of relevant literature and presentation topics
  • Written notification of important information such as deadlines, presentation topics, information on examinations

Please refer students with mental conditions to the Psychological-Psychotherapeutic Counselling Service at the University of Passau.

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments

  • Written examination or other written coursework: extra time, separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases also less)
  • Term paper: additional time
  • Presentation: exclusion of the plenum (in the case of anxiety disorders)
  • Oral examination: individual examination, online if necessary (in the case of anxiety disorders)
  • Internship: adapted conditions such as part-time, splitting
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate or certificate from a psychological psychotherapist or a child and adolescent psychotherapist (up to 21 years of age)

Mental conditions

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The abbreviation ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is characterised by the following three main symptoms:

  • Hyperactivity (excessive urge to move),
  • Inattention (impaired ability to concentrate) and
  • Impulsiveness (rash behaviour).

The individual symptoms can vary in severity and do not necessarily all occur at the same time. The generic term ADHD also describes the form of the disorder in which no hyperactive behaviour is observed, but only attention disorders are present.

Hectic environments, crowded rooms and noisy groups increase concentration difficulties.

What effect does this have on studying?

Difficulties in everyday student life are the impaired ability to concentrate, an unsystematic way of working in connection with procrastination and forgetting tasks, problems with self-organisation, e.g. “Getting lost” and digressing as well as the frequently limited sense of time.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Reduce the noise level and other stimuli by closing doors/windows and preventing conversations in between
  • Reserve front seats to reduce social distraction
  • Clearly express performance expectations
  • Working in small groups and study groups helps students to learn in a focused and disciplined way
  • Have stable and manageable structures, clear requirements
  • Permission to record courses

Materials:

  • Early announcement of seminar plans, literature and presentation topics
  • Early provision of teaching materials and PowerPoint presentations
  • Good structuring through outlines, highlighting, summaries
  • Task division into sections – also in exam questions

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written exam: separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases even fewer), extension of time (in suitable cases)
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

ADHD

ADHD

The abbreviation ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is characterised by the following three main symptoms:

  • Hyperactivity (excessive urge to move),
  • Inattention (impaired ability to concentrate) and
  • Impulsiveness (rash behaviour).

The individual symptoms can vary in severity and do not necessarily all occur at the same time. The generic term ADHD also describes the form of the disorder in which no hyperactive behaviour is observed, but only attention disorders are present.

Hectic environments, crowded rooms and noisy groups increase concentration difficulties.

What effect does this have on studying?

Difficulties in everyday student life are the impaired ability to concentrate, an unsystematic way of working in connection with procrastination and forgetting tasks, problems with self-organisation, e.g. “Getting lost” and digressing as well as the frequently limited sense of time.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Reduce the noise level and other stimuli by closing doors/windows and preventing conversations in between
  • Reserve front seats to reduce social distraction
  • Clearly express performance expectations
  • Working in small groups and study groups helps students to learn in a focused and disciplined way
  • Have stable and manageable structures, clear requirements
  • Permission to record courses

Materials:

  • Early announcement of seminar plans, literature and presentation topics
  • Early provision of teaching materials and PowerPoint presentations
  • Good structuring through outlines, highlighting, summaries
  • Task division into sections – also in exam questions

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written exam: separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases even fewer), extension of time (in suitable cases)
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

ADHD

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The two best-known partial performance disorders are dyslexia (reading and spelling disorder) and dyscalculia (difficulties making calculations). Around 4% of all people are affected by dyslexia (also referred to as “reading and spelling disorder”). Students with dyslexia have normal to high intelligence.

A reading and spelling disorder is present when persistent and clear impairments in the area of reading and spelling cannot be explained solely by developmental age, visual problems, inappropriate schooling or intellectual disability.

A distinction can be made between dyslexia and an isolated spelling or isolated reading disorder.

What effect does this have on studying?

Dyslexia is characterised by deficits in reading comprehension and the ability to recognise and read aloud written words. Students with Dyslexia need more time to read and understand questions and problems. Writing and making necessary corrections also takes significantly longer due to differences in the way information is processed.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Create a quiet working atmosphere that promotes concentration
  • Apply a variety of didactic methods, use different channels and media (audio/video), mix forms of work

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials and PowerPoint presentations before the start of the course so that note-taking in the course can be reduced
  • Use of larger font, also for examinations
  • Visually clearly structured PowerPoint presentations, blackboard pictures, worksheets and exams
  • Permission to record courses

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination: extension of time, enlargement of the writing in justified exceptional cases (the combination with the extension of the writing time must be precisely justified)
  • Term papers: Extension of time

Proof: certificates from psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, licensed child and adolescent psychotherapists, therapists with proven special experience in the field of learning therapy or dyslexia, or from practices for reading and dyslexia therapy

Partial performance disorders

Partial performance disorders

The two best-known partial performance disorders are dyslexia (reading and spelling disorder) and dyscalculia (difficulties making calculations). Around 4% of all people are affected by dyslexia (also referred to as “reading and spelling disorder”). Students with dyslexia have normal to high intelligence.

A reading and spelling disorder is present when persistent and clear impairments in the area of reading and spelling cannot be explained solely by developmental age, visual problems, inappropriate schooling or intellectual disability.

A distinction can be made between dyslexia and an isolated spelling or isolated reading disorder.

What effect does this have on studying?

Dyslexia is characterised by deficits in reading comprehension and the ability to recognise and read aloud written words. Students with Dyslexia need more time to read and understand questions and problems. Writing and making necessary corrections also takes significantly longer due to differences in the way information is processed.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Create a quiet working atmosphere that promotes concentration
  • Apply a variety of didactic methods, use different channels and media (audio/video), mix forms of work

Materials:

  • Early provision of teaching materials and PowerPoint presentations before the start of the course so that note-taking in the course can be reduced
  • Use of larger font, also for examinations
  • Visually clearly structured PowerPoint presentations, blackboard pictures, worksheets and exams
  • Permission to record courses

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written examination: extension of time, enlargement of the writing in justified exceptional cases (the combination with the extension of the writing time must be precisely justified)
  • Term papers: Extension of time

Proof: certificates from psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, licensed child and adolescent psychotherapists, therapists with proven special experience in the field of learning therapy or dyslexia, or from practices for reading and dyslexia therapy

Partial performance disorders

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Autism is a form of impairment in which the processing of information and perception is disturbed. Increased sensitivity to stimuli easily leads to sensory overload from light and noise; people with autism therefore quickly become stressed, find it difficult to concentrate and are easily distracted. People with autism generally find it difficult to recognise gestures and facial expressions, to interpret social and emotional signals and to send them themselves. Sometimes they are surprised and shy when it comes to social behaviour such as shaking hands. However, restraint should not be interpreted as impolite. Unforeseen situations are very challenging for people with autism. They usually require a longer preparation time. Fixed structures and early information that enable detailed planning are very supportive here.

What effect does this have on studying?

Students with autism have difficulties with social interaction with fellow students and lecturers. They also often have difficulty tolerating background noise or crowds. Commonly, they will often have problems understanding ambiguous tasks, have difficulty estimating how much time they need for certain tasks and have difficulties planning coursework.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Adhere to planned procedures and do not change them spontaneously; create fixed structures, e.g. give clear instructions
  • Enable students to engage with extracurricular activities (e.g. excursions) at an early stage
  • Enable routines, e.g. same seat
  • Reduction of external stimuli such as light reflections and noise levels
  • Avoid touching or making physical or eye contact
  • Avoidance of social forms of work such as group work
  • Clear language without room for interpretation, avoid using irony
  • Take even seemingly strange questions seriously

Materials:

  • Early announcement of literature and presentation topics as well as early distribution of teaching materials and PowerPoint presentations for better preparation/planning
  • Clear structures through outlines, highlighting, summaries, division of tasks into sections - also in examination tasks

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written exam: separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases even fewer), possible extension of time
  • Oral examination: individual examination, accompanying person, possible extension of the examination time
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder

Autism is a form of impairment in which the processing of information and perception is disturbed. Increased sensitivity to stimuli easily leads to sensory overload from light and noise; people with autism therefore quickly become stressed, find it difficult to concentrate and are easily distracted. People with autism generally find it difficult to recognise gestures and facial expressions, to interpret social and emotional signals and to send them themselves. Sometimes they are surprised and shy when it comes to social behaviour such as shaking hands. However, restraint should not be interpreted as impolite. Unforeseen situations are very challenging for people with autism. They usually require a longer preparation time. Fixed structures and early information that enable detailed planning are very supportive here.

What effect does this have on studying?

Students with autism have difficulties with social interaction with fellow students and lecturers. They also often have difficulty tolerating background noise or crowds. Commonly, they will often have problems understanding ambiguous tasks, have difficulty estimating how much time they need for certain tasks and have difficulties planning coursework.

How can you help?

Courses:

  • Adhere to planned procedures and do not change them spontaneously; create fixed structures, e.g. give clear instructions
  • Enable students to engage with extracurricular activities (e.g. excursions) at an early stage
  • Enable routines, e.g. same seat
  • Reduction of external stimuli such as light reflections and noise levels
  • Avoid touching or making physical or eye contact
  • Avoidance of social forms of work such as group work
  • Clear language without room for interpretation, avoid using irony
  • Take even seemingly strange questions seriously

Materials:

  • Early announcement of literature and presentation topics as well as early distribution of teaching materials and PowerPoint presentations for better preparation/planning
  • Clear structures through outlines, highlighting, summaries, division of tasks into sections - also in examination tasks

Information for members of Boards of Examiners and examining committees

Examples of possible academic adjustments:

  • Written exam: separate room with a maximum of 20 people (in individual cases even fewer), possible extension of time
  • Oral examination: individual examination, accompanying person, possible extension of the examination time
  • Period of study: extension beyond the maximum duration of study, extension of deadlines

Proof: medical certificate issued by a GP or, if applicable, a medical specialist

Autism spectrum disorder

More
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