English Language Learners

In addition to the application form, students must submit documentation to Student Accessibility Services. The documentation is used to support the student's request for classroom adjustments. The documentation can be formal or informal. It may include student self-report, history of having used adjustments, observation and interaction with Student Accessibility Services professionals, and records from educational professionals. 

Adjustments can not result in a fundamental or substantial alteration of the educational program's technical standards or course requirements and will not be approved. The University of Mary has the right to establish qualifications and other essential standards and requirements for its courses, programs, activities, and services. All students are expected to meet these essential qualifications, standards, and requirements, with or without reasonable adjustments.

Certifying or licensing exams (e.g. Praxis, NCLEX, LSW, or PE) have specific documentation requirements unique to their respective governing bodies. Staff can assist students with identifying the required documentation when applying for testing adjustments. However, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the required documentation for the exam. It is recommended to start the adjustment request process early to ensure the student has fulfilled the application and documentation requirements.

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

Work with Your Instructor

Once your adjustment plan is finalized and signed, it is your responsibility to contact each class instructor you are requesting adjustments from. Set up a meeting with each instructor to discuss arranging the requested adjustments and ensuring that everyone understands the plan. When meeting, provide a copy of your adjustment plan for your instructor to keep.

Instructor Meeting Plan

• Contact your instructors as early as possible.
• Request to meet privately.
• Highlight important aspects of your adjustment plan to discuss and let your adjustment plan guide the conversation.
• Work together on implementing your plan and be open to suggestions or comments from the instructors. Adjustments require a collaborative effort, and instructors are often able to offer creative suggestions for implementing adjustments.

Adjustments are approved on a case-by-case basis based on the student’s experience with English, academic preparation, and prospective major. Some commonly provided adjustments provided through the Student Accessibility Services office include alternate text formats for instructional and assessment materials, notetaking assistance, Read Write software, and testing administration.