STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS
We strive to consider individual arrangements for the entire duration of your studies, as much as
possible.
If you need individual arrangements, please read the instructions below and complete the
application. Return the application to yksilolliset.jarjestelyt@ulapland.fi.s.
Examples of Individual Study Arrangements:
• Extra time for exams or submission of independent assignments
• The possibility to take exams on a computer and use proofreading software while writing
• The possibility of an alternative method of examination. Alternative assessment methods to
traditional exams include, for example, oral exams, presentations, and computer-based
take-home exams or remotely supervised take-home exams.
• A quiet exam room
• Larger writing space
• Consideration of mobility impairments
Instructions for Students Applying for Individual Study Arrangements:
These instructions are intended for students who need individual arrangements during their studies
due to an illness or disability. The need for individual arrangements may arise from physical or
mental illness, disability, learning difficulties, or issues such as anxiety. Individual arrangements can
be made for students with a reading disability if the difficulty is severe or moderate. Individual
arrangements can also be applied for with a doctor’s certificate when the impairment is temporary,
for example, due to an accident.
The application for individual arrangements should be submitted via encrypted email to
yksilolliset.jarjestelyt@ulapland.fi. The application should include expert statements (e.g., from a
doctor, psychologist, etc.). Health-related statements will be destroyed after processing. Original
statements are not accepted. The application is confidential, and the applicant’s information will be
kept private (Act on the Openness of Government Activities, section 24, paragraph 25). Individual
study arrangements can be applied for throughout the academic year, as needed.
Head of Study Affairs Janette Tolppi provides guidance and makes decisions regarding individual
study arrangements for students. If needed, an appointment can be arranged to discuss the
appropriate forms of individual arrangements for the specific student. To book an appointment,
please send an email to yksilolliset.jarjestelyt@ulapland.fi.s

TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS
• Individual arrangements do not affect the learning objectives or content of the course, but
they may impact the delivery and assessment methods of the course.
• The principles of an accessible university and accessible teaching should be considered in
course planning and in the pre-course materials.
• Once the student has notified the teacher about the individual arrangements, the teacher
should discuss the possible individual arrangements for the course with the student.
• If you are unsure how to proceed, ask for help (janette.tolppi@ulapland.fi or
opintopsykologi@luc.fi).
• Arrangements are recommendations, but the teacher makes the final decision regarding
their course. Arrangements must be made, but the teacher decides what kinds of
arrangements are reasonable for their specific course.
• Accessible teaching arrangements (e.g., timely delivery of course materials, scheduling
adjustments, etc.) can already accommodate a lot and benefit all students, not just those
needing individual arrangements.
Our students are very heterogeneous group, and we must be sensitive in all our actions. We are
bound by equality and non-discrimination laws and strive to ensure equal opportunities for all
students to study and progress in their studies at our university. Some of our students have been
granted accessibility passes, and it is good to follow the recommendations outlined in them.
However, it is important to remember that, for example, granting endless extra time for
independent assignments may not always serve the student, and sometimes a clear deadline can
also help get things done. It is good to discuss the learning objectives with the student. Generally,
students want to learn the same things as their fellow students. The teacher has the final authority
and responsibility to decide on the arrangements—while the teacher cannot refuse to make any
arrangements, they can set limits on what is reasonable within the context of the course.
Main advice for teachers: If you have any questions regarding individual arrangements, ask. Do not
handle the issues alone. You can get assistance from Head of Study Affairs Janette Tolppi
(janette.tolppi@ulapland.fi) or Study Psychologist Aino Kärpänniemi (opintopsykologi@luc.fi). The
Study Psychologist also serves as the university’s accessibility contact person.
It is important to note that timely delivery of clear course schedules and advance provision of course
materials help all of our students progress in their studies, not just those facing challenges in their
studies. Course materials, deadlines, etc., should be provided, for example, on Moodle well before
the course starts. You should also communicate whether the course will be hybrid, remote, or in-
person, and clarify the assessment methods. This is also the place to inform about attendance
requirements, flexible assessment formats, and whether students can discuss with the teacher about
absences or other study-related challenges after the first class.
In communicating course practices, clarity and multi-channel communication are key. Instructions
should be available in writing, but it is important that they are also discussed orally at the start of
the course, so that students can ask questions if they have any uncertainties, for example, about the
assessment methods. Clear initial instructions will save both students and teachers from
unnecessary email inquiries.
Students have diverse life situations, and flexibility is necessary to ensure that students in
challenging circumstances do not drop out of their studies. It is worth considering if there could be a
clear and uniform way of compensating for, for example, a few absences. If there are multiple
teachers or visiting lecturers in the course, it is important to carefully go through the course
practices (assessment methods, compensations, etc.) in advance. This reduces student stress and
ensures they do not receive conflicting or inconsistent information about the course.
Read more on the topic: https://www.luchyvinvointi.fi/monenlaisia-oppijoita/
Read more about accessibility: https://sites.google.com/lapinamk.fi/saavuttettavuus/etusivu

Individual Study Arrangements: Head of Study Affairs Janette Tolppi provides guidance and makes decisions regarding individual study arrangements for students. If necessary, an appointment can be scheduled to discuss the appropriate forms of individual arrangements for the specific student. To book an appointment, send an email to yksilolliset.jarjestelyt@ulapland.fi.s

Janette Tolppi, Head of Study Affairs
Teaching and Learning Services

yksilolliset.jarjestelyt(at)ulapland.fi.s

Accessibility Contact Person at the University:

Aino Kärpänniemi, Study Psychologist, Student Wellbeing Services
study.psychologist(at)luc.fi

University of Lapland Student Union:

Student Union:
Adviser of Educational and Social Affairs
edunvalvonta (at) lyy.fi