Accommodations

A Few Words

Accommodations are provided not only on a case-by-case basis but also on a class-by-class basis. In other words, an accommodation that is reasonable in one class might not be reasonable in another. No accommodation will be provided if it compromises or alters essential elements or evaluation standards of a course.

Accommodations and services are considered to be classroom supplements. They are not intended to replace regular classroom participation or attendance. Additionally, accommodations are not a guarantee of a specific grade or success in a particular class; rather, they are for the purpose of providing equal access to education for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are expected to fulfill all academic and course requirements and evaluation standards, as expected of all students.

Using Accommodations

Semester Accommodations Request Form

To use your approved accommodations, you must submit a Semester Accommodations Request Form each semester to the Office of Student Services. To ensure that you receive your accommodation letter at the start of the semester, be sure to complete the Semester Accommodations Request Form at least two weeks before the start of the semester.

After the Semester Accommodations Request Form has been submitted, the Office of Student Services will prepare and send you by e-mail the accommodations letter (see appendix for a sample letter). It is then your responsibility to print and deliver the letters to your instructors. These letters will notify the instructors of accommodations that are to be provided for you. You will need to meet with each instructor to review your accommodations and discuss how they will be implemented in each class.

How to Deliver Your Accommodation Letters

1. During the first several days of the semester, introduce yourself to your instructors and schedule appointments with them during their office hours or at a mutually convenient time. By scheduling a meeting time, you will be able to discuss your accommodations in private.
2. Be on time for your meeting.
3. Use this meeting to work out any logistical arrangements regarding your accommodations. For example, if you have testing accommodations, it is important that you and your instructor develop a plan for testing arrangements. For your own benefit, keep a written record of any plans made (in other words, take notes.)
4. In an effort to assist in the accommodation process, faculty members may ask for information beyond what they see in the accommodation letters. You should feel comfortable providing information that will assist in the delivery of your accommodations. If you choose, you may provide instructors with more specific information about your disability. This, however, is not required, and you are not obligated to give information that you feel is personal or that does not relate to the accommodations requested.

Accommodations for Returning Students

The files of students who leave the college will be placed on inactive status. It is essential to know that prior approval for accommodations does not mean that students will be automatically approved for similar accommodations when they return. The files of students who leave the college will be placed on inactive status. It is important to know that prior approval for accommodations does not mean that students will be automatically approved for similar accommodations when they return. After being absent for one or more regular semesters (fall or spring), students who return to the college will be asked to meet with the Accessibility Services Coordinator to reactivate their files. Students may be asked to present new documentation depending on factors such as the length of the time away from the College, the date of the original documentation, nature of the disability, and the original date through which accommodations were approved.