Student Affairs » ARC » Information for Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

A student approaches an instructor and discloses his/her disability but does not have a letter from the Academic Resource Center. Is the instructor required to provide the accommodation?

If a student discloses his/her disability, ask whether he/she has met with someone in the Academic Resource Center. If the answer is yes, then the student must present the instructor with the letter that outlines the accommodation(s). If the answer is no, then tell the student that he/she must go to the Academic Resource Center to discuss their needs. The instructor is not obligated to implement accommodations if the student has not registered and followed the policies and procedures of the Academic Resource Center.

What kinds of accommodations are provided?

• alternate format materials
• assistive technology
• extended time for examinations
• interpreters for the deaf
• note takers
• readers
• scribes for examinations
• telecommunication device for the deaf

Who determines the reasonable accommodation?

The Academic Resource Center administrator determines the accommodations based upon the medical documentation and the student's history of using accommodations in previous academic situations.

What about students who have temporary injuries, such as a broken arm?

Although students with temporary injuries are not covered under the ADA, the Academic Resource Center, along with the appropriate dean's office, tries to assist students in determining ways to accommodate their injury.

What should an instructor do if a problem arises with a student who has a disability?

It is highly recommended that the instructor contact the Academic Resource Center and discuss the situation with the appropriate administrator. For example, if the student fails to attend class, then the instructor should notify and discuss his/her concerns with the Academic Resource Center administrator.

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