Conflict Resolution

Step 1: Students aggrieved by a decision to deny academic accommodation, adjustment, or auxiliary aid (collectively “accommodation”) may submit a request for reconsideration in writing to ODS.

The reconsideration request must include the following information:

• The requested accommodation
• Information and documentation to support their request, such as details on the functional impact of their disability and its relevance to the requested accommodation.

Submit via email or in person at the ODS office, 1000 Houser Hall.

• ODS Executive Director, Vanessa Goepel
• vanessa.goepel@ua.edu

Step 2: Reconsideration requests will be reviewed within 14 calendar days. The Executive Director will review the details of the student’s request, documentation of disability, and ODS records.  Students may request a meeting to discuss the reconsideration. After the review, the Executive Director shall provide the student with written notice of the reconsideration decision (the “Accommodation Reconsideration Decision”). This decision is subject to appeal as described below under “Appeals.”

Students coordinate with instructors and ODS to use approved accommodations. Difficulties implementing accommodations are rare. When such difficulties occur, they typically are the result of misunderstanding or miscommunication. If issues arise, students may take one or both of the following actions:

Grievances and/or appeals should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 30 calendar days after the alleged violation.                                              

Step 1: Contact the instructor directly to discuss the matter. This is often the most effective way to resolve a concern. This enables the student and instructor to clarify questions or concerns and resolve the issue.

Step 2: If informal discussions with the instructor do not resolve the issue, contact your assigned Accommodations Specialist in writing with your concerns. The Specialist will work with you to create a plan, which may involve communication with the instructor or a meeting with all parties.  If the Specialist decides an accommodation is not warranted for a specific course or situation, you will receive a written “Accommodation Implementation Decision.”

Step 3: If dissatisfied with the resolution offered by the Accommodations Specialist, the student may request a review, in writing, by the ODS Executive Director.

The appeal must include the following information:

• The requested accommodation
• Details explaining how the accommodation was not provided

Submit via email or in person at the ODS office, 1000 Houser Hall.

• ODS Executive Director, Vanessa Goepel
• vanessa.goepel@ua.edu

Step 4: The ODS Executive Director will contact relevant UA personnel, such as the academic department or Dean’s Office, to address the issue. Within 14 calendar days of the review request, the Executive Director will provide a written response outlining the University’s position and any resolution options. The student may appeal this decision as described under “Appeals.”

Students may appeal an Academic Accommodation Reconsideration Decision or an Accommodation Implementation Decision when there is 1) evidence of a process violation, or 2) new information that should be considered (i.e., recent medical updates or newly diagnosed conditions).

To appeal an Academic Accommodation Reconsideration Decision or an Accommodation Implementation Decision, a student may file an appeal, in writing, with the designated Appeal Officer. The current Appeal Officer is the Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, reachable at:

• Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Luoheng Han
• luoheng.han@ua.edu
• 254 Rose Administration Building
• Box 870114
• Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0114

Appeals must be filed within 14 calendar days of the original decision date. An appeal is considered filed when electronically received by the Appeal Officer or when marked by a USPS postmark. A copy must also be electronically submitted to vanessa.goepel@ua.edu.

The Appeal Officer will review either 1) evidence of a process violation, or 2) new information that should be considered, and may contact the student for more information. The Appeal Officer will conduct a fair and impartial review and issue a written decision to the student.  This decision will be final.