Academic Accommodations

Design and Implement a Plan

Our students must first register for disability services with Student Support Services to be approved for academic accommodations.

Once approved, students should be prepared each  semester to:

• Work with Student Accessibility Services to identify specific accommodations based on current academic courses and update the student’s accommodation plan.
• Contact instructors to finalize arrangements for those accommodations.

Accommodation Plan

Working with Student Accessibility Services

We are here to help you implement your accommodation plan. Developing an accommodation plan is a collaborative effort between you, Student Accessibility Services, and your instructors. Your accommodation plan will list the recommended accommodations provided to you in your classes. The accommodation plan is reviewed and updated each semester.

Working with Your Instructor

Once you receive and sign your accommodation plan, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for each class in which you are requesting accommodations. Contacting your instructor is an opportunity to discuss how to arrange the requested accommodations and ensure that everyone understands the plan. It is helpful to provide a copy of your accommodation plan for your instructor. Take a copy of your accommodation plan with you to leave with the instructor.

Tips

• Contact your professors as early in the semester as possible.
• Request to meet privately with your instructor.
• Be prepared. Highlight important aspects of your plan to discuss with your instructor.
• Let your accommodation plan guide your discussion. Focus on how you will work together to implement your plan.
• You do not need to disclose your diagnosed disability to your instructor in order to receive accommodations.
• Be open to suggestions or comments from faculty. Accommodations require a collaborative effort, and professors are often able to offer creative suggestions for implementing accommodations.

Common Accommodation Requests

Accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis, based on the functional limitations of the student’s disability, and may vary for each student. Some commonly provided accommodations provided through the Student Accessibility Services office include alternate text formats for instructional and assessment materials, notetaking assistance, software, and accommodated testing administration.