What does "reasonable accommodation" mean?
- The University of Oklahoma will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship, alter the fundamental nature of the program, or impose excessive financial or administrative burdens.
- Accommodations are determined by Student Accommodation Services (SAS) and based on appropriate documentation, the Academic Resource Coordinator’s expertise, and an interactive discussion with the student.
- Reasonable accommodations are not privileges, but necessary to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
What's the difference between an accommodation and a modification?
- Accommodations are adjustments that provide equal access for students with disabilities and are protected under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- Modifications are temporary support adjustments for students with short-term medical conditions (e.g. a broken arm) or are responsive to a student's temporary pregnancy status, as protected under Title IX.
How does SAS determine student eligibility for accommodations?
- Eligibility for accommodations is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on the student’s self-report, past accommodations, provided documentation, and the expertise of SAS staff leading the interactive intake appointment with the student.
What do I do if a student isn't registered and is asking for accommodations?
- Please refer the student to the Academic Resource Coordinator (ARC) on their respective campus to begin the initial registration process.
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- Oklahoma City & additional site students:
- Tulsa-based students:
What if a student wants accommodations before they have completed the registgration process with SAS or instead of registering with SAS?
- No arrangements, promises, or other manifestations of individual accommodation should be made by any University employee (faculty, staff, administrative) prior to official notice of accommodations or modifications have been distributed by Student Accommodation Services (SAS).
- Only those accommodations/modifications authorized by SAS should be implemented. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.
Why am I receiving notice of a student's reasonable accommodations in the middle of the semester?
- Though students are encouraged to initially register or request a renewal of their accommodations prior to the start of a semester, they are permitted to request them at any time during the semester.
- Late accommodation requests can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the student only recently completed the initial registration process with SAS, the student wanted to try a class without accommodations but then changed their mind, or the student forgot.
- Regardless of the timing or the reasoning, accommodations/modifications are not official until the communication from SAS is distributed to the student's college representatives.
Why did I receive an updated memo for a student?
Students may request for SAS adjust their accommodations during the semester to better support their needs. They can request additional accommodations at any time to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. When students are approved for new accommodations by SAS, you will receive an updated memo by our team that highlights the newly-approved accommodations and provides an effective date. These newly added/approved accommodations should not be applied retroactively.
When are students with testing accommodations expected to take their exams at SAS testing locations?
- Generally, students are expected to take their exam at the same time as the rest of the class or as close to that time as possible.
- If a student has another class immediately after your exam, the faculty should start the proctored exam earlier or schedule their exam at another mutually agreed upon time.
- Evening courses and exams should allow students with exam accommodations an alternate exam time when SAS proctoring is available or instructors may work with the students and department staff to create a reduced distraction environment at another location on campus.
What are my responsibilities concerning confidentiality?
- SAS takes student confidentiality very seriously and adheres strictly to the confidentiality guidelines as set forth by FERPA. Below are general guidelines for following FERPA in the classroom:
- Students registered with SAS should not be identified to others in the course. To maintain confidentiality, please avoid sending group emails about accommodations or SAS registration. Instead, contact students individually or include a general statement about SAS accommodations on your syllabus or course platform (e.g., Canvas).
- Please refrain from sharing a student's disability-related information or registration with other faculty, staff, or students who do not have a need to know such information. Please keep in mind that a student's registration with SAS is confirmation that a disability is present; the accommodation memorandum sent to faculty at the beginning of each semester does not include the nature of the disability, it does confirm a student’s registration with SAS and as such is to be kept confidential.
- Students are not required to disclose their diagnosis or diagnoses to faculty and should never be asked to do so.
- SAS firmly believes in and encourages students to self-advocate. However, if you have questions regarding a student's accommodations, please contact SAS.
- If an accommodation discussion is necessary, faculty should identify a time and place which is both private and safe for the student to discuss their accommodations.