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Fort Hays State University

Victor E. Tiger

Fort Hays State University

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Faculty Resources - Working with the DSS Office

Creating a Comfortable Class Atmosphere / Statement for Syllabus
Due to the very personal and private nature of some disabilities, it may be extremely difficult for some students to identify themselves as having a disability. It is important that faculty create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable about coming forward to discus any special needs they may have. Faculty can demonstrate openness and willingness to help students by including on syllabi a statement encouraging students to make an appointment to discuss course accommodations. It may also be helpful if faculty would announce to students at the first class session their willingness to help with accommodations. The following statement is an example of what may be placed in the syllabus:


A faculty member may also confer with the DSS Office if they feel a student who has not identified him/herself as having a disability may require accommodations. Since faculty, especially in large classes, cannot reasonably be expected to identify every disability that would pose a problem, this announcement makes it clear that the faculty member will welcome input from the affected student. Academic accommodations are not required unless the student follows policy and procedures and has notification sent to faculty by the DSS Office.

Setting Up Accommodations
Faculty will receive a letter from the DSS Office confirming students with verified disabilities at the beginning of each semester. This letter will outline appropriate classroom accommodations. If a student does not need specific accommodations but has a condition that may interfere with his/her course work or attendance, the letter will explain the implications of the condition. Students are responsible for meeting with faculty and discussing any concerns that may arise. Please note that because many disabilities are invisible, students must provide documentation verifying them. This documentation is confidential and faculty members should not request to see it. The DSS Office will verify that the student does have the claimed disability and will advise faculty on reasonable accommodations. Faculty should inform any teaching assistants they are supervising about this policy. No disability requires a specific set of accommodations, and specific accommodations are not necessarily unique to certain disabilities. The law requires that reasonable accommodations be made. The letter from the DSS Office will detail those accommodations that are reasonable for the particular student given his/her disability. Questions that arise regarding accommodating a student's disability should be discussed with the student and/or referred to the DSS Office. Collaboration assures that faculty and students are comfortable with the modifications.

Evaluation of Course Work
When evaluating course work and assigning grades, the same standards should be applied for all students. Although examinations may need to be administered in different formats, students with disabilities are entitle to the same scholastic requirements as non disabled students.

Student Affairs Webmaster Updated 12/12/2006



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