Requesting Accommodations
The University is committed to providing equal access to educational programs, services, and activities for qualified students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodations are responsible for initiating the accommodation process through the Office of Access and Disability Services (ADS).
Students may request accommodations at any time during their enrollment; however, students are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible. Accommodations are not retroactive and generally become effective only after the accommodation process has been completed and approved accommodations have been communicated to the appropriate parties.
To request accommodations, students must submit an accommodation request through the Accessible Information Management (AIM) system and provide supporting documentation when requested. Documentation may be required to establish the presence of a disability, describe functional limitations, and assist ADS in determining appropriate accommodations.
Following submission of the request, ADS will engage in an individualized interactive process with the student. This process may include a review of documentation, meetings with ADS staff, discussion of disability-related barriers, and consideration of reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access while maintaining the essential requirements of the University's programs and activities.
Accommodation determinations are made on an individualized basis and are based on the student's documented disability-related needs. Recommendations from healthcare providers are considered as part of the review process but do not automatically determine the accommodations that will be approved.
Students are responsible for participating in the interactive process, responding to requests for information, and communicating with ADS regarding changes in their disability-related needs. Additional documentation may be requested when necessary to evaluate a request or to support modifications to existing accommodations.
Students approved for accommodations will receive information regarding the implementation of their accommodations through AIM. Depending on the nature of the accommodation, students may be required to complete additional steps, such as requesting accommodation notifications, scheduling accommodated examinations, or coordinating services with ADS each semester.
Students who believe they have experienced disability-related discrimination or who disagree with an accommodation determination may utilize the procedures outlined in the Disability Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Procedures sections of this handbook.
Questions regarding accommodations, documentation requirements, or the accommodation process should be directed to the Office of Access and Disability Services.