Accommodations Explained

Academic accommodations are put in place to equalize learning opportunities and access to the academic environment for students with disabilities. The functional limitations resulting from a disability can at times intersect with the academic environment in a way that creates a barrier for students. Advisors work with students to determine what barriers they are experiencing specific to their disability and what accommodations would equalize the learning environment for them. Students with accommodations must meet all the academic requirements and standards of their courses. Accommodations do not guarantee academic achievement and students with accommodations will experience similar challenges and successes as their peers as they go through their programs. Outside of academic accommodations, there are many supports offered to students to support their learning. 

Any student with a documented disability can register with SAS. Documentation will be reviewed to ensure it provides details on the functional impairments and limitations that result from the disability. Advisors will meet with the student to discuss if and how these limitations create a barrier in the university academic context. These barriers can be addressed through accommodations or alterations in the academic environment. Students may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, chronic illness, sensory impairments and other health conditions resulting in physical, psychological or cognitive impairment.

The topics listed here define and describe some of the accommodations that SAS may approve for a students with a disability. Both instructors and students are encouraged to contact SAS and/or their advisor for further guidance and information as needed.