Information on Academic Accommodations
After you are registered with our office, you may be provided "reasonable accommodations." Reasonable accommodations are accommodations you receive that "level the playing field." This means that the accommodations help make class handouts, materials, and tests accessible to you as they are to other students.
Student Responsibilities
After meeting with Student Accessibility Services and being approved for accommodations, we will send you a letter by email which outlines appropriate accommodations for your specific situation. It is your responsibility to disseminate the accommodation letter and request accommodations from faculty members for your participation in the classroom. You are also responsible for meeting with faculty and discussing any concerns that may arise.
It is important that you make accommodation requests in a timely manner so that faculty and Student Accessibility Services staff may plan for those accommodations.
Examples of Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodations provided to you will be determined by visiting with a Student Accessibility Services staff member about your classes and determining how to best make them accessible. You may not require accommodations in every class, and you will not receive every available accommodation.
Additional Classroom Notes: This student may require a copy of classroom lecture notes. Typically, this is in the form of notes from a volunteer notetaker registered in the class, but may also include copies of the instructor's PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, or outlines in electronic or print format, if these resources are appropriate and available.
Alternate Furniture: This student may require alternate furniture including tables, chairs, or stools.
Alternate Test Format: This student may require the test in a different format including electronic format for use with a screen reader, large print, or other formats as deemed appropriate.
Alternate Text: This student may require various materials related to the course, such as textbooks and handouts, in alternate format. This may include large print, audio, or electronic format.
Closed Captions or Transcripts: This student may require text transcription for audio and video content.
Distraction-Reduced Environment: This student may require a quiet environment outside of the classroom to ensure reduced distraction. This is typically used for exams but may be used for quizzes or in-class writing assignments as deemed necessary.
Enlarged Print for Exams and Handouts: This student may require a larger font size on exams and handouts.
Extended Time (1.5X) for Exams and In-class Writing Assignments: This student may require time and a half for completing tests or in-class assignments. Assignments listed on the syllabus at the start of the course are NOT eligible for extended time. Instructors always have the option to administer their own tests with accommodations to simplify the process. However, if an instructor is unable to provide the accommodation, our office can assist.
Extended Time (2X) for Exams and In-class Writing Assignments: This student may require double time for completing tests or in-class assignments. Assignments listed on the syllabus at the start of the course are NOT eligible for extended time. Instructors always have the option to administer their own tests with accommodations to simplify the process. However, if an instructor is unable to provide the accommodation, our office can assist.
Preferential Seating: This student may require assistance in securing classroom seating that best accommodates their needs. Reasons may vary and could include improved visibility or the ability to leave quickly and quietly with the least amount of disruption.
Reasonable Attendance Modifications: This student may have periodic difficulties with attendance due to the nature of the disability and/or medication side effects. The student has been informed that attendance is an essential component of a college education and policies are set by the instructor of each course. Students are encouraged to learn the attendance policy prior to enrolling in a course (or very early in the semester) and should make a determination as to whether or not they can meet the requirements. While reasonable flexibility in applying attendance policies may be warranted in some instances, students with disabilities are generally expected to adhere to the same attendance requirements as other students. If a disability-related absence does occur, students are advised to contact their instructors and our office immediately to clarify the methods and timelines for making up assignments/tests missed due to the absence from class.
Request to Audio Record Lectures: This student may require the use of a digital or tape recorder during lectures.
Scribe and/or Reader for Exams: This student may require the assistance of a scribe to record answers and/or the assistance of a reader to read exam questions and answer options (if available) during exams. NOTE: This accommodation does NOT include assistance with choosing answers.
Seizure Activity Action Plan: This student has a medical condition that may, from time to time, cause seizures. It is recommended that instructors visit with the student regarding how they would prefer a seizure situation be handled, as each individual's seizure activity is different.
Travel Allowance Between Classes: This student may require additional time to travel between classes. This may be more prevalent when traveling from building to building, or during inclement weather.
Use of a Calculator for Tests: This student may require the use of a four-function calculator.
Use of a Word Processor: This student may require the use of a computer to complete written assignments and exams.
The following is not an academic accommodation, but is instead helpful information regarding service animals:
Service Animal: This student may be accompanied by a service animal, typically a dog. A service animal is an animal trained to perform a specific task or set of tasks. The university reserves the right to ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. College personnel may not make these inquiries about a service animal when it is readily apparent that the animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., guiding an individual who is blind). Service animals are different from emotional support animals, which are not allowed in academic buildings and are for comfort only.