Myths and Misconceptions
About Eligibility & Registering for Accommodations
Each college is permitted to establish their own documentation guidelines/requirements. What was provided to a previous institution may not be sufficient for the University. In addition, accommodations provided at the previous institution do not obligate the University to do the same.
The University does not provide these services. You are responsible for your own medical diagnosis and medical care. You may be required to provide documentation of your disability prior to receiving accommodations. Providing sufficient documentation, if required, is your responsibility at your own cost.
You are required to self-identify. Upon self-identification, registration with the Accommodations Resource Center, and determination of appropriate accommodations, you must request services in order to receive them. Without notification or request, no accommodations are provided. Accommodation services must be requested every term.
About Accommodations & Services
The IEP is specific to K-12. Accommodations in higher education are determined separately based on the disability and substantial limitations due to the disability. Some services provided in K-12 may be inappropriate in higher education.
All students are expected to meet their financial obligations regardless of disability. Students contact their Student Coach regarding financial aid options. All students, regardless of disability, also have access to scholarship application opportunities through the Scholarships & Grants office as it is for all students.
Accommodations are based on the disability and substantial limitation of the disability. "Essential elements" cannot be changed. Consideration is given to individual preferences, but accommodations are at the University's discretion, as long as it can be shown to be "equally effective".
Established requirements (admission, degree or graduation requirements, course(s), GPA, code of conduct, etc.) are the same for all students. Accommodations may be appropriate dependent upon the "essential elements" of the program. However, the same standard exists, and you are equally accountable.
Tutoring beyond what is provided to all students is considered a personal service and, therefore, outside the scope of accommodations. All students may access the services of the Tutoring Center.
The University does not provide this service. The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student information. The University interacts with the student as an adult. This change in focus is important in that the student is expected to be responsible and accountable for his or her education.
Items of a personal nature are your responsibility. It is also reasonable for the institution to expect that students can get to class and be responsible as part of being "otherwise qualified".
You are responsible for selecting courses and enrolling each semester. Working with your student coach while considering disability-related needs is important in course selection. [Note: Student coaches assist all students with enrollment as needed. If you are enrolled in a cohort program, you will only need to register for the courses in your major once, with the help of your Student Coach.]
The University does not provide transportation for any student. This is a personal service and the student's responsibility.
Qualified interpreters are provided as an accommodation to facilitate communication. They are contracted by the University, and chosen at the University’s discretion. They are considered appropriate if they adhere to the Code of Ethics, have the skill level necessary to communicate effectively, and be able to utilize the student's sign system. At the university level, interpreters are NOT tutors, para-professionals, or helpers. Interpreter services are limited to interpretation only.
About Class & Assignment Accommodations
Absences may not negatively affect your grade on the basis of an attendance or participation policy in classes where attendance is not "essential" and the absence is directly related to the disability. Any other absences or courses in which attendance is deemed "essential" (e.g., discussion class, lab,) are subject to the attendance or participation policy of the instructor. In either case, you are still responsible for the knowledge of the material and work in the class.
The obligation to provide accommodations begins at the point a request is made. Reasonable notice is required from you to determine and implement reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are NOT provided retroactively.
Accommodations are made in order to allow you an opportunity to meet the expectations and requirements of the course. With appropriate accommodations, it is expected that you will meet the deadlines, complete the homework/assignments, and take exams at the scheduled time. Poor performance, with accommodations, is no grounds for a retake/redo or for extra credit.
Accommodations are meant to provide equal access and equal opportunity. Access is no guarantee of success.
Equal access to the material presented to all students is the goal of accommodations. There is no requirement to create or provide information or materials beyond what is provided to all students (e.g. instructor notes, study tools). A study skills program and other services are available through the Tutoring Center to all students.
Exams are taken with the same expectations of other students in the class. "Prompting" by instructors or proctors is not a reasonable accommodation.
Accommodations are provided in order to provide equal access and equal opportunity to the programs and services offered. With respect to exams, accommodations are intended to give you an opportunity to complete the existing course requirements. Creating a different exam, changing the exam format, and/or the number of required exams are generally considered a change in the "essential elements" of the course, and are therefore not considered a reasonable accommodation.
Unlike high school, homework and attendance at the university level have little, if any, impact on the final grade. This difference is an important distinction so you can have the appropriate mindset. Grades are based on the criteria established by the instructor. Extra credit should not be expected as a reasonable accommodation.
Some courses are offered via Independent Study, online, etc. Check with your student coach for these courses. Creating another version of a course offered on-campus is not considered a reasonable accommodation.
Adapted from College of Southern Maryland's "Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Higher Education and Accommodations"
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