Policies & Procedures

The Office for Disability & Access (ODA) relies upon student self-reported information as a crucial part of determining accommodations and academic adjustments.

ODA engages in a collaborative and iterative process with its students individually to determine appropriate accommodations that ensure students equitable access without altering the fundamental nature or goals of a program, the pedagogy of a course, or the institution. Academic needs are determined by documentation submitted by the student and a student interview.

As part of the interactive process, when necessary, ODA will seek information from faculty about the academic requirements essential to the course or program for which the student seeks an accommodation, any licensure requirements directly related to course or program, and other relevant information specific to nature of the course or program. This information is used to inform the decision about whether, after considering other alternatives and their feasibility, cost, and effect on the academic course or program, the requested accommodation [or alternative accommodations (if any)] would result in lowering academic standards and/or involve a fundamental alteration of the course or program. ODA will document its conclusions regarding such requests for accommodations or academic adjustments. 

It is important to note that a diagnosis or medical provider recommendation does not guarantee that the student’s request for specific accommodations will be approved. ODA will determine its conclusions regarding such requests for accommodations or academic adjustments based on provided documentation, student self-reporting, and faculty input.