| Related Policy | Disability Support Services Policy for Students |
|---|---|
| Responsible Office | Office of Academic Development |
| Initial Date | July 18, 2017 |
I. Summary
These Procedures are related to the Disability Support Services Policy for Students (“Policy”). See Policy for the definitions of any capitalized terms contained in this document. Please see the Policy for the definitions of capitalized terms below.
II. Process
Registering with Disability Support Services
To receive Reasonable Accommodations or any other special services or consideration due to a disability at the University, students are required to register with Disability Support Services (DSS). It is the student’s responsibility to initiate Reasonable Accommodations and services by:
- Self-identifying with DSS by completing the Self Identification Form;
- Scheduling a meeting with the DSS staff. This interview is critical to understanding the student’s needs. Students should be prepared to discuss their disability and how it impacts his/her ability to learn or participate in another major life activity.
- Providing appropriate documentation[1] in order to qualify for Reasonable Accommodations. Students are encouraged to meet with DSS staff if they have any questions regarding documentation.
- Referring to the Disability Support Services webpages for procedural steps for registering with DSS and for documentation guidelines.
Requesting Academic Accommodations
During the first few weeks of the semester, students will meet with DSS staff to prepare memos to faculty outlining accommodations for each course. Ideally, this should occur before classes begin in order to put the necessary accommodations in place before the start of the semester.
- Students do not need to provide new documentation for every semester, unless they require accommodations that are not supported by their documentation on file.
- Students must meet with DSS staff at least once a semester in order to receive accommodations. For each subsequent semester that students are enrolled at Arcadia University, they must visit Disability Support Services, which will prepare the letters of accommodation for their classes.
- Students must submit letters of accommodation to their faculty members when the semester begins. Faculty members can consult with DSS staff if they need additional clarification.
Requesting Housing Accommodations
Decisions regarding housing accommodations are made jointly between DSS and Student Affairs/Residence Life.
- New students with requests for special housing accommodations due to a disability or medical condition are strongly encouraged to contact DSS as early as possible, preferably on or before May 30.
- Returning students should make housing accommodation requests by March 1. Although requests for accommodations may be made at any time, availability of these spaces may be limited.
- Students should note their accommodation requests while completing the Housing Portal during Housing Selection.
Appeal and Grievance Process
In the event that a student is having difficulty or is not receiving agreed-upon Reasonable Accommodations, the student should contact DSS staff to resolve the matter.
Students filing a grievance against a faculty or staff member because of perceived discrimination should refer to the procedures contained within the Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy. Students filing a grievance against another student should refer to the procedures for discrimination and harassment under the Student Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook.
Please refer to the Disability Support Services webpages for more information regarding accommodations and procedures. For more information about documentation guidelines, please refer to the DSS website.
[1] DSS reserves the right to request additional documentation if the initial documentation the student provides is incomplete or inadequate to determine the need for accommodations. In addition, DSS reserves the right to require documentation prepared by an appropriate, qualified medical professional, including, but not limited to, a statement regarding how the student’s disability affects a major life activity.
