51社区

Frequently Asked Questions about Disability Services for Faculty at 51社区

• What should I include in the syllabus to inform students of the Office of Disability Services at 51社区?
  
  It is important that instructors include in their syllabus a statement encouraging students to inform the University of any special-needs that require accommodations. A further recommendation is that the statement be read aloud by the instructor during the first week of the course.

  Disability Statement:
  "Any student with a disability requesting academic accommodations is encouraged to speak with the course instructor immediately at the beginning of the semester. In addition, the student must provide the instructor a letter of accommodations from the Office of Disability Services (ODS). For more information about registering with ODS please visit www.uu.edu/ods or contact Esperanza Gonzalez, Director for Disability Services, at egonzalez@uu.edu or (731) 661-6520. ODS is located in PAC F-39. All information disclosed during this process will be handled in compliance with FERPA policies regarding privacy of information."

  Attendance Policy: Please include a clear policy on attendance and its role in the grading process, if any. This is helpful for all students to understand and it can communicate the essential role of attendance in the course objectives.

• How do students become eligible for accommodations at 51社区?
  
  Students can access the procedures and guidelines for requesting reasonable accommodations at the Office of Disability Services website. The site includes a section on Requesting Accommodations and a link to Register Online. After the application and supportive medical documentation is submitted, the materials are evaluated to determine if any appropriate accommodations are available. As instructors, you may also refer a student to the Office of Disability Services if you become aware that they may qualify for our services. Our Office will then refer the student to appropriate testing if needed. Please send an email to the Director for Disability Services at ods@uu.edu or call at (731) 661-6520.
• How will I be notified if a student is approved for accommodations at 51社区?
  
  Any student that qualifies and is requesting accommodations should contact the Director for Disability Services at the beginning of the semester. The Director will give the student a formal accommodation letter that outlines the approved accommodations. It is the student's responsibility to either email this letter to their instructors or deliver the letter in person. If a student asks you for accommodations and does not have a formal letter from the Office of Disability Services, please request that he or she contact the Director for Disability Services.
• Can I provide accommodations for a 51社区 student without utilizing the Office of Disability Services?
  
  Faculty have the freedom to make academic adjustments and accommodations that would be given to any student in their classes. For example, if the professor would adjust due dates for an assignment because of a death in the family, a student with disabilities would not need to receive documentation from ODS to have an extension when someone in their family died. However, faculty should refer students with disabilities to ODS to receive accommodations specific to their disability needs, even if the faculty member is a qualified professional. This helps to ensure the accommodation processes are consistent across campus.
• Why are instructors required to provide exam accommodations to students with disabilities?
  
  Federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) mandates that university instructors must provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. This includes allowing students extended time on exams and a distraction free testing environment. In these cases, it has been determined by a professional that the student's disability hinders his or her functional abilities during a testing situation.
• What do I tell other students regarding the exam accommodations for students with disabilities?
  
  Since confidentiality is key, it is best not to discuss exam accommodations with other students or in a class setting. Discussing any information regarding a student's disability in the presence of other students can create an uncomfortable situation for the student. Also, confidentiality is a legal concern and a student's right to privacy concerning their disability is protected by Federal Law.
• Do exams for students with accommodations have to be taken in the 51社区 Center for Academic Success?
  
  Faculty may choose to accommodate the student within their own facility. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor prior to the exam date. As long as the students required accommodations are met (e.g. distraction free environment), it is not necessary for the student to take the exam at the alternate testing site. The testing location within the Center for Academic Success provides a safe, quiet, and distraction free environment for the student. More information on policies and procedures concerning the alternate testing site.
• What is the Instructor's responsibility in providing accommodations to a student at 51社区 who approaches them immediately before an exam?
  
  The Office of Disability Services clearly sets out the expectation that students will approach instructors at least a week before an exam date. If a student chooses to wait until the day of the exam, instructors are encouraged to make a good faith effort in accommodating his or her needs. However, it is the student's responsibility to follow all procedures and policies, therefore instructors in this situation are not obligated to provide an alternate testing site.
• What if a student at 51社区 notifies the instructor of needed accommodations late in the semester?
  
  There could be numerous reasons why a student makes a late request. Sometimes students are not able to acquire documentation of a disability until later in the semester. In other instances, a student may try to take a class without accommodations, but find that they are not doing well and need to use them. In either situation, an instructor must remember that accommodations are not retroactive. The Office of Disability Services encourages instructors to make a good faith effort at fulfilling the accommodation, however, in some instances a late request may make the accommodation impossible to provide. Faculty should consult with the Office of Disability Services if an approved accommodation cannot be implemented at any time.
• What are ways that I can ensure that student with disabilities are supported during the semester?
  1. Encourage students with disabilities to register with the Office of Disability Services.
  2. Provide students with a detailed course syllabus.
  3. Clearly set out expectations before the course begins (e.g., attendance policy, materials to be covered, and due dates).
  4. Start each lecture with an outline of material to be covered that period.
  5. Present new or technical vocabulary in written form.
  6. Give assignments both orally and in written form to avoid confusion.
  7. Point out if a study guide is not comprehensive or lacks new subjects that may be covered in an exam.
  8. Provide study questions for exams that demonstrate format as well as content. Explain what constitutes a good answer and why.
  9. If possible, select a textbook with an accompanying study guides or software programs for optional student use.
  10. Provide adequate opportunities for questions and answers, including review sessions.