As a student approved to receive accommodations, you have specific rights and responsibilities. This information is discussed during the Intake meeting. You will be asked to review this information each semester as you send accommodation letters through the ODS Online Portal.
Student Rights
Confidentiality
Under the ADA, the University must keep your disability-related information confidential. ODS cannot share your diagnosis or disability status with faculty, students, or family without your written consent. Information may only be shared with University officials on a need-to-know basis.
Faculty are not entitled to know your diagnosis. You may choose to share it, but you are never required to. Your registration with ODS is private and will not appear on your transcript or diploma.
If you have questions about confidentiality or wish to authorize communication with others, complete a Release of Information through the ODS Online Portal.
Accommodation Plan
Accommodations are not retroactive – contact ODS promptly if your needs change. To request additional accommodations, submit the Request for Additional Academic Accommodations form in the ODS Online Portal. Additional documentation may be required.
Accommodations for clinicals, field experiences, or internships apply differently. Contact ODS in advance to discuss what's reasonable in these settings. For example, extended time may apply in a classroom setting but not in a patient care setting or deadline-driven environment.
If you need accommodations for standardized, licensing, or board exams, follow ODS procedures for requesting assistance on standardized exams.
Conflict Resolution Procedures
Contact your Accommodations Specialist with questions about accommodations, grades, course policies, or possible disability discrimination. Additional information is available online.
Report concerns promptly – don't wait until the end of the semester. Non-accommodation-related issues will be referred to the appropriate office or process.
Student Responsibilities
Send Accommodation Letters
It is your responsibility to send accommodation letters at the beginning of each semester. Send accommodation letters to instructors for any class where you plan to use accommodations – even if you've had the instructor before. Letters are term-specific (i.e., Spring 2025 letters don't apply to Fall 2025). The deadline to request accommodations istwo weeks prior to the first day of final exams.
Communicate with Instructors
After sending accommodation letters, you must follow up with each instructor to discuss how accommodations will be implemented. Meet during office hours, schedule an appointment, or communicate by email.
Communicate with ODS
You are responsible for making arrangements to receive accommodations in a timely manner, which may involve scheduling exams to be proctored by ODS, requesting materials in accessible formats, etc.
If you have questions after you’ve communicated with instructors, contact your Accommodations Specialist promptly to discuss.
Success vs. Access
In college, students must meet essential academic and program requirements. Accommodations provide access – not guaranteed success as they do in K – 12 education.
You have the same right to succeed or fail as any other student. Use available resources and ask for help when needed. It's your responsibility to recognize when you need support and seek it out.
A list of campus resources is available. Contact your Accommodations Specialist for help identifying off-campus resources.