FACULTY/ADVISER SECTION: GENERAL INFORMATION

Faculty members play a major role in making their classroom accessible to all students.

Orientation

Students with disabilities who attend orientation sessions are encouraged to meet with the coordinator of Disability Services to discuss special needs, procedures, and the need for accommodations.

SUMMARY OF PARTNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) seeks to work in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to create an accessible academic, social, and physical environment for students with disabilities by coordination and providing a variety of accommodations and support services as required by Federal Law.

A collaborative effort between the student, the coordinator of Disability Services, and the faculty and staff should produce a reasonable accommodation for a qualified student with a disability.

Student Responsibilities:

• Notify the Office of Disability Services or the instructor if an accommodation is needed.
• Initiate the request for accommodations.
• Provide the appropriate documentation to support the need for an accommodation - medical and psychological reports.
• Inform the Office of Disability Services if the accommodations are not being implemented or are not effective.
• Adhere to university policy and procedures.
• Meet all requirements and maintain university standards.

Office of Disability Services Responsibilities:

• Review medical and psychological information and verify that the student is a qualified student with a disability.
• Consult with the student and determine the appropriate accommodation based on the individualized assessment.
• Prepare accommodation letter.

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Include an accommodation statement in the course syllabus.
• If a student requests an accommodation and has not already done so, direct them to contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS).
• Disability related information is confidential.  It is important to respect the student’s right of confidentiality.  Students are not obligated to tell you about the exact nature of his or her disability.
• The instructor must indicate their approval of the accommodations by signing and returning the letter to the ODS.  The instructor is encouraged to make a copy of the accommodation letter for personal reference.
• If the instructor does not agree with the accommodations, discuss your concerns with the student or the coordinator of Disability Services.

“Reasonable accommodations” do not require the faculty member to compromise the academic quality of the course or program.