Eligibility for Accommodations&

Required Disability Documentation

Revisions to Section 2.8.1 2013-2014 Catalog

Process for Requesting Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are determined through:

• An interactive exchange in which the student describes their disability, barriers and history of effective and ineffective academic accommodations.

• Observation by DRS staff of the students’ language, performance and academic strategies as a tool in validating the student narrative and self-report.

• Review of medical documentation from qualified DRS professional.

• Student requests for academic accommodations without an Instructor Notification Form must be referred to DRS for evaluation.

Determination of Academic Accommodations

Seven Rules: A Framework for Reviewing and Determining Accommodations

1. Does providing the accommodation result in modifications of educational standards (academic integrity) of the college’s course or program?

2. Does providing the accommodation fundamentally alter the nature of the course, program, activity or service?

3. Does providing the accommodation provide services to a student or individual not otherwise qualified?

Determination of Academic Accommodations

Seven Rules: A Framework for Reviewing and Determining Accommodations

4. Does providing the accommodation not allow the individual to complete the course or degree?

5. Does providing the accommodation alter the behavioral standards of the institution and act contrary to its mission and code of ethics?

6. Does providing accommodations to an individual pose a direct threat to health and safety?

7. Does providing accommodations pose an undue burden on the college (financial)?

Informal Complaint

If there are concerns or conflict between the recommended academic accommodations and course/program standards, the DRS staff will initiate the informal resolution process.

Informal Resolution Process

DRS ResponsibilitiesEducate, Support, and Monitor the Process

(resolution of informal complaint)

If the faculty member and DRS are able to resolve the academic concerns after

reviewing the DRS Seven Rules Checklist justification plan;

Document the discussion using the DRS section of the Seven Rules Checklist include

dates or meetings and resolution. Keep original in the student file. Copy to faculty.

Communicate to the student any changes in recommendations based on the meeting

with faculty and include dates of meetings and resolution.

DRS Responsibilities:Educate, Support, and Monitor the Process

(no resolution)

If the faculty do not support the

accommodation plan provide information and guidance on the

process for submitting and justifying an

alternative accommodation using

the Seven Rules Checklist

Within three days, review the completed

alternative Seven Rules Checklist plan

and continue the interactive exchange to achieve a mutual

agreement for academic

accommodations

Within the same three day timeframe, work

with the faculty member and student to provide provisional accommodations until a final and complete accommodation plan

is developed

Within three days, communicate the

provisional accommodations to

the student and keep the process moving to reach final resolution; if unsuccessful move complaint to VPAA

and VPSA to convene a Review Committee

Faculty ResponsibilitiesComplete the Seven Rules Checklist AND contact DRS within three days of the notice of recommendations.

Meet with DRS. Use the Seven Rules Checklist to discuss your concerns and work toward an informal resolution

If the issue is not resolved within three days of meeting with DRS, submit a written request to the VPAA and VPSA (who serves as the college compliance officer) for judgment or

request a Review Committee. The request must include the proposed alternative accommodation plan, Seven Rules

Checklist and additional supporting documents

Student Responsibilities

Continue to communicate with DRS regarding the provisional agreement and the final

accommodation plan

Keep DRS informed of any changes that may impact the provisional agreement and final

accommodation plan in a timely manner

If no resolution within a reasonable time, the student has the option of filing a formal complaint under the Discrimination Complaint Procedure for Students. Students may also file formal complaint

regarding the final accommodation plan

Formal Complaint

For both student discrimination complaints and faculty complaints to the VPAA/VPSA, the final decision will be informed by a review committee consisting of faculty representatives who develop curriculum for the college and the program.

Formal Resolution Process

The Vice-President for Academic Affairs assigns an investigator with curriculum

development experience and coordinating alternative

accommodation plans

The VPSA and the investigator convene a

review committee consisting of faculty representatives

who develop curriculum for the college and the program

Responsibilities of the Review Committee

Within seven days of the request

Study the recommended

accommodations and alternatives using the Seven Rules Checklist

Submit a decision with supporting

documentation in writing to the VPAA

and VPSA

Resolution of the Formal Complaint

The VPSA/VPAA updates the

college president

The college president or a

designee shares the plan of resolution with the office of

the general counsel

The final decision is communicated to

the student in writing by the President or

designee