The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has announced "Exemptions from Diploma Assessment Requirements for Major Life Events," for students who have been significantly impacted by a Major Life Event, which will prevent or impede their participation in Regents examinations. 

What is a Major Life Event?
According to NYSED, Major Life Events include but are not limited to:

• Severe illness, a severe medical condition, or life-altering incident that significantly impacts or prevents a student’s participation in a required diploma assessment. Severe illnesses and severe medical conditions are acute or chronic illnesses or health conditions that carry a high risk of mortality, detrimentally impact students’ quality of life and daily function, and/or are significantly burdensome in symptoms and/or treatments.
• Life-altering incidents are experiences or occurrences that significantly change students’ lives.
• Major life events include, but are not limited to, cancer treatment, hospitalization, an accident causing serious injury, a destructive house fire, the death of a parent or person in parental relation, homelessness, or trauma related to deportation or detainment.

Exemption Requirements and Request Process
Students who have experienced Major Life Events and meet the below criteria may apply for an exemption to required diploma assessments:

• Student was/is enrolled in a course of study or make-up program leading to a required diploma assessment;
• The student met or exceeded the expected learning outcomes for the course; and
• A major life event has significantly impacted or prevented the student from participating in such assessment.

Please click here to review the NYSED Exemptions for Major Life Events, which also includes eligibility and other answers to frequently asked questions. 

Students who have experienced a Major Life Event and feel that they may be eligible, please reach out to the guidance office. The Counseling Center directory is located here.