Reasonable Adjustments
Basic principles: Equal opportunities for people with disabilities in the field of education
Universities are obliged to organise the general requirements for students with disabilities in such a way that they can successfully complete their studies.
The basis is provided by the Swiss Federal Constitution, which prohibits any discrimination on account of a physical, mental or psychological disability (external page FC, Art. 8(2)).
The measures required to eliminate the discrimination of people with disabilities are implemented in the Disability Discrimination Act (external page DDA, Art. 2).
Students with disabilities must not be discriminated against as a result of their disability.
"Discrimination in access to general and advanced education and training occurs in particular when: a. it is difficult for persons with disabilities to use aids or obtain the necessary assistance from other persons; b. the duration and organisation of the course and examinations are not adapted to the specific needs of persons with disabilities." (Art. 2, para. 5, DDA)
Reasonable adjustments for performance assessments
What are reasonable adjustments?
If students require individual adjustments in performance assessments due to their disability, this is regulated by means of reasonable adjustments.
"Reasonable adjustments are understood to be proportionate adjustments to study and examination conditions that are necessary to compensate for the disadvantages of the students concerned due to their disability and thus ensure equal opportunities." [Translation] Source: external page swissuniability.ch
The aim of such measures is solely to compensate for the disadvantage resulting from the disability. With all measures, the main content requirements of a course/examination must be fulfilled and the degree must remain equivalent.
What is the process at ETH until the end of FS25?
ETH has a standardised process for making reasonable adjustments. This ensures that students are treated equally.
- The students' reasons for a reasonable adjustments are reviewed in compliance with data protection regulations and the proportionality of the measures are carefully evaluated.
- If students are granted measures for reasonable adjustments, this is done by means of a decree.
- Individual agreements between lecturers and students are not permitted.
- Deadlines must be taken into account.
What is the process at ETH from HS25?
From the autumn semester of 2025, the procedure for reasonable adjustments will be simplified:
- Examiners will receive a list from the Rectorate of all candidates who are entitled to a reasonable adjustment in the event of a performance assessment.
- This means that the ‘Information Letter for Lecturers’ will no longer be necessary and students will no longer have to report to the examiners.
- A reasonable adjustment that has been decreed will now apply to all of the student's performance assessments.
1. Student submits application for reasonable adjustment to PRST
- Student has had a mandatory consultation with StS
- Student submits application, FAO Vice Rector for Study Programmes (PRST)
- Deadline: End of 2nd semester week
2. PRST decrees reasonable adjustment application
- The Vice Rector for Study Programmes decrees the application and, if the claim is justified, decides on reasonable adjustments
- Vice Rector for Study Programmes issues the "Information Letter for Lecturers“, FAO students
3. Student informs examiner about reasonable adjustment
- Student contacts examiner with "Information Letter for Lecturers"
- Deadline: as stated in the information letter
(usually 6 weeks before the date of the performance assessment)
4. Examiner assures student implementation of the reasonable adjustment
- Examiner confirms receipt of information to the student and assures implementation of the measures
- Deadline: within 2 weeks after receipt of the information from student (step 3)
5. Examiner plans performance assessment and implements measures
- Examiner informs the Edu-IT in the event of digital performance assessments immediately after receiving the “Information Letter for Lecturers” from the student (step 3)
- Examiner plans the performance assessment (e.g. supervision, room, ...)
- Examiner informs student (e.g. room, ...)
Who is the contact point for students?
The Counselling & Coaching Centre provides students with information and advice on reasonable adjustments. Please refer student enquiries directly to this department.
Who are the contact points for lecturers?
If you have any , please do not hesitate to contact the Inclusive Teaching, Assessment and Accessibility team (UTL).
Information to support you in implementing reasonable adjustments for ETH performance assessments can be found at Support Reasonable Adjustments.