Implementing reasonable accommodations is a shared responsibility. Through the interactive process, students, faculty, and DSS each play an important role in ensuring equal access.
Students: Taking the Lead
- Know expectations: Know that students must meet or exceed academic standards with or without accommodations.
- Review approved accommodations: Understand the accommodations outlined by DSS.
- Decide to request: Know that accommodations are not retroactive and will not be implemented for past coursework.
- Exercise the choice: Know the option not to use their approved accommodations.
- Engage with faculty: Provide the accommodation letter and discuss approved accommodations early to support timely implementation.
- Stay in touch: Maintain communication with DSS to request additional accommodations or address any concerns.
Faculty: Supporting Implementation
- Collaborate with students and DSS: Work together to implement the accommodations outlined in the accommodation letter.
- Act promptly: Implement accommodations promptly without delay.
- Reach out as needed: Contact DSS immediately with any questions or concerns.
- Flag fundamental changes: Consult with DSS if an accommodation may significantly alter a course.
- Respond quickly: Reply to DSS’s requests for information or collaboration timely.
- Maintain student expectations: Uphold academic standards.
DSS: Facilitating access
- Review requests: Assess accommodation requests and documentation to determine eligibility.
- Coordinate accommodations: Facilitate reasonable academic accommodations for eligible students.
- Collaborate for access: Engage with students, faculty, and campus offices to identify barriers, evaluate course requirements, and facilitate the implementation of accommodations.
- Support complex cases: Consult with faculty when accommodations may impact essential course elements or present undue burden.
- Explore alternatives: Identity alternative accommodations when needed.
- Provide ongoing support: Assist students with additional requests or concerns about implementation.