Return to Learn Concussion Policy

Review again before
4/21/2025

Policy Contact
NA

Policy Statement

The SUNY Oneonta Return to Learn Concussion Policy provides the framework to support students through accessibility resources for course accommodations to enhance student success and student learning.

Rationale

Concussions incurred by students may impact their ability to participate in course requirements, inhibiting success and learning. Appropriate diagnosis and accommodations assist students in bridging recovery from concussion to classroom and course engagement.

Applicability of the Policy

This policy applies to any SUNY Oneonta student who seeks student accommodations as a result of concussion.

Policy Elaboration

Following the diagnosis of concussion, cognitive and physical rest is the first step. The amount of rest varies based on the individual. Communication among all who are in contact with the student is important. As more specifically set forth below, the vice president of Student Affairs (SA) or designee will facilitate appropriate communication with faculty and staff. Accessibility Resources (AR) in consultation with the student and documentation from the student’s health care provider will coordinate academic accommodations.

Students should meet with a health care provider and thereafter present appropriate documentation to the vice president of student affairs or designee that indicates they have been diagnosed with a concussion and that, as a result, they are undergoing treatment. If academic accommodations are needed, the student is expected to meet with Accessibility Resources. Faculty are responsible for adhering to the student’s accommodations based on communication from Accessibility Services.

Student Concussion Management: Return to Learn Procedure

Step 1: Students who have incurred a head injury should seek medical evaluation from an urgent care/ER facility/campus health center, a physician/primary care provider or if an athlete, from Athletic Training.

Step 2: Students (non-athletes) with a diagnosed concussion must provide a diagnosis of concussion by an urgent care/campus health and wellness center/ER facility/health center or physician/primary care provider to the vice president of SD. Athletic Training will notify the DS of a diagnosis of concussion if the student is an athlete. Students may wish to discuss their condition with their faculty member or instructor, but they are not required to

provide the diagnosis to a faculty member or instructor. If a faculty member has a concern regarding a student that may be related to post-concussion syndrome, the faculty member will notify AR. Post-concussion syndrome is the persistence of concussion symptoms diagnosed weeks after the initial concussion.

Step 3: The DS will assist the student with the process of return to learn clearance, and the AR will assist with classroom accommodations, as follows:

  • DS notifies AR of student medical concerns.
  • AR meets with the student and develops temporary accommodations.
  • A note from SD will be provided to the student’s faculty regarding class attendance or clearance to attend class. (Students have the right to disclose/not disclose status of concussion to their faculty).

Step 4: Students will work with a licensed practitioner (NP, PA or physician) or Athletic Training if an athlete to routinely assess return to learn, and AR will be kept informed of student progress based on health care provider assessment.

Step 5: AR will work with the student to implement changes to learning accommodations, as required and as necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to notify faculty/instructors of any changes to the student’s learning accommodations.

Step 6: Resumption of a student’s full cognitive and physical activity is based on the release from a licensed medical provider (NP, PA, physician) or athletic trainer.

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