Temporary Injuries

The University of Miami is committed to supporting academic success for all students. Certain life events may inhibit this process during a student's academic career.

Temporary injuries are not considered a disability under the ADA. University staff will make a concerted effort to provide guidance and direct students to local resources based on the nature of the injury.

The most common examples of temporary injuries are broken bones, sprains, or recovery from a medical procedure or surgery. A cold or headache is not considered an injury.

Temporary Injury Form

A Temporary Injury Form is an intake form that allows the University Troubleshooters to understand what resources a student may need. For example, a student may need to request crutches to get to and from class.

The troubleshooter will meet with the student to determine what resources they need and may request medical paperwork related to the request. The troubleshooter will then work with the student to determine the best resource(s) or applicable follow-up.

Completion of the form WILL NOT exempt students from taking exams or completing coursework required for the completion of their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with their faculty to discuss what may be possible for their individual classes. 

The following checklist was created to guide students experiencing any temporary injury or medical condition:

  • Complete the Temporary Injury Support Form (TIF) within 48 hours of experiencing an injury. The form will be sent to the Troubleshooter for your college, and they will contact you to set a meeting.
  • If applicable, your troubleshooter will then notify your professors of the injury and the impact it will have on the classroom.
  • Contact your professors and create a plan to return to class. Meeting with your professors to discuss any issues related to class absence, missed assignments, and exams may be helpful.
  • Ask if a doctor’s note is required.
  • Discuss alternative options for recording answers on exams. These include highlighting multiple-choice answers, using a computer or tape recorder for essays, and opportunities to make up missed exams. Students should discuss the option to receive an incomplete in the class if alternative options are not available.
  • Ask a classmate to share a copy of class notes. 

Complete a Temporary Injury Support Form

Other Information

There are rental companies that accept health insurance in the Miami area that can help students get access to scooters or wheelchairs that can deliver and pickup from campus.

If your injury requires the use of a wheelchair, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to inquire about accessibility routes for classrooms. Students with classes in the Merrick Building must contact ODS for access to the electronic lifts.

Your Area Director can assist with temporarily storing and charging a scooter or other mobility device. Their information can be found on the Residential Communities page, on the Housing & Residential Life website.