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.
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 questions, 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.