Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty and Staff

Who do I call with a question about services or accommodations?

We have counselors who are more than happy to speak with you. Please link to our Contact page for specific contact information. Our main number is 704-687-4355 and you are also welcome to stop by our office in 230 Fretwell.

A student approached me and indicated they have a disability. How do I help them?

Most often when a student discloses that they have a disability to a professor, they are seeking some sort of accommodation. If a student is registered with our office, they should present you with an official letter of accommodation. If a student discloses that they have a disability and are not registered with our office, please refer them to our office. While some students with disabilities chose not to register with our office, you are not required to accommodate these students. Please advise students seeking accommodations to arrange these through our office. We encourage you to click on our Faculty/Staff link for more information.

I received a “Request for test administration form,” what do I do with this?

This form allows students with disabilities to receive their test accommodations through our office. This can be arranged if a student needs assistive technology and/or a low distraction work environment. Due to limited testing resources in our office, students who only need time extension and some who need low distraction will arrange these accommodations through you. If you do receive a form, please complete the form, keep a copy, and give the completed from back to the student to bring to our office. It is important to fill in all parts of the form. Please click on the Testing Information for Faculty link for more information.

I have a student who is taking their tests in your office. How do I get the test to your office/returned?

There is a place on the “request for test administration” form that asks you to indicate how you would like to transfer the test to us. Ideally, the test would be dropped off at our office by you or someone in your department or e-mailed to us. We will return the completed exam to you at the time and location you specify. Please click on the Testing Information for Faculty link for more information.

Do students with disabilities have to take their test/exams in the office of disability services?

Alternative testing is a common accommodation, as many disabilities impact testing. We do provide testing in our office for some students with disabilities. Due to limited space to test students, we prioritize testing in our office for students who need special equipment or technology/software to take there test, followed by students who need to be ensured a low distraction test environment. Students who will be testing in our office will provide you with a special testing form, in addition to their letter of accommodation. Many students need extended time and a low distraction environment, or just extended time. For these students, we share the responsibility of alternative testing with our faculty and staff. Therefore, you may need to make arrangements to provide alternative testing for students in class or within your department. As, always, we are available to support you in this process. A student’s letter of accommodation will indicate what specific testing accommodations a student will need. Please click on the Testing Information for Faculty link for more information related to alternative testing.

I received a letter stating a student is eligible for the note-taking accommodation, how does that work?

Our note taking program is carried out in a confidential manner in which a student volunteers a copy of their notes in order to supplement those of the registered student with a disability. Not every student receives this accommodation and only those whose disabilities impact their ability to write and take notes will be eligible. You do not have to make an announcement. Our office will email the class to obtain a volunteer. Students interested in being a volunteer note taker should reply to the email that is sent to them. Note takers scan their notes and upload them to a secure website. The notes are then forwarded to the student registered with DS. Volunteer note-takers receive community service hours for their time and may indicate this valuable service on their resumes. Please click on the Note Taking Information for Faculty link for more information related to note-takers.

A student has an “attendance consideration” what does this mean?

In rare cases, a student may qualify for special consideration related to class attendance. In order to qualify for this consideration, a student needs to provide our office with medical documentation that indicates that their disability may impact their ability to attend class on occasion. An attendance consideration is a request to the professor to take into consideration the student’s disability related to class absences. There is not an expectation that the professor significantly alter his or her attendance policy. While the request is for flexibility in attendance, it is left to the discretion of the professor to determine what is allowable for his/her particular course. A student with this consideration is expected to notify the professor prior to absence on most occasions and meet with the professor following the absence to discuss missed work. If the student will miss several classes they are instructed to notify the professor and our office and may be asked to provide medical documentation supporting their absence. If a student misses multiple classes, it is advisable to discuss options with the student such as receiving an incomplete or withdrawal. Regardless of disability, it is the student’s responsibility to meet the core requirements of the course, as determined by the instructor. All students with this accommodation sign a class attendance agreement that details these responsibilities.

What do I do when a student registered with the Office of Disability Services asks for an extension for papers or assignments?

Deadlines for papers and assignments are at the sole discretion of faculty. There are some instances when a student's disability is unpredictable in nature or when the subsequent treatment and symptoms are significant. Flexibility of due dates is only advised when there is a "quick turn around time" for the completion of assignments/papers. In very rare instances some students might experience a significant exacerbation of symptoms or medical event that could also impact their ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. However, it is the student's responsibility to discuss these concerns with you. While the Office of Disability Services will not request that deadlines be altered as a result of a disability, we might indicate a consideration on the letter of accommodation. This is only for information purposes as only faculty can determine due dates. Please contact our office if you have any additional questions or concerns.

I am concerned about a student with a disability in my class. Does your office provide tutoring?

Tutoring for students with disabilities is not provided by our office. We can, however, provide our students with a referral to tutorial services that will give them priority in securing a tutor. If tutoring is not provided for your class through tutorial services, please work with the student to arrange a study group or tutoring within your class/department. Please click on our Resources page for the link to support services.

Can I get a copy of a student’s medical/psychological documentation?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, students’ privacy related to their specific disability is protected. Our office keeps a copy of a student’s documentation, and then communicates with faculty regarding appropriate accommodations only. Our office cannot disclose the student’s disability or documentation. For more information, go to our Confidentiality page.

Is it appropriate to ask a student or your office what a student’s disability is?

While we understand the desire to know specific information about a student in your class, we will not disclose a student’s specific disability. Students who are registered with our office have met legal requirements to receive accommodations as a student with a disability. The accommodations agreed upon are chosen as a result of a careful process of assessment of a student’s needs that involves documentation review and student interviews. Our office is more than happy to discuss a student’s accommodations with faculty/staff. For more information, go to our Confidentiality page.

I am concerned about a student in my class who I suspect has a disability, but they have not self-identified. What can I do?

There are some students on campus who have disabilities but chose not to register with our office. Students are not required to register with us. Some students manage their disability without our assistance. If you are concerned that a student is having difficulty related to a disability, talk to them about your concerns and gage their perception of the situation. They may disclose that they have a disability, at which time you could inquire as to whether or not they are registered with our office. If they are not, you can encourage them to do so.

What are my legal responsibilities towards students with disabilities?

Your general responsibilities are to provide access and accommodations. You are expected to help the student have access to your class and materials. This can be accomplished by cooperating with our office related to classroom relocation and providing materials in alternative format (if needed). Also, you are expected to provide accommodations listed and detailed on the student’s letter of accommodation. We are here to support you in this process. Please call us with any questions you have. You may also read more about the law on our Legal page.

Do I need to alter the course content in any way for a student with a disability?

You are not required to alter course content for students with disabilities, as alternations would result in a disservice for all students and would threaten the integrity of your course and the university. Students with disabilities are entitled to certain “reasonable” accommodations under the law. They are entitled to access to class and materials. They are also entitled to be held to the same academic expectations as their non-disabled peers. Please link to our Legal page for more information.