Information for Faculty
Legislation Governing Accommodations
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (ADA) and state law mandate that institutions of higher education not
discriminate against "otherwise qualified" individuals with disabilities. The federal
regulations implementing Section 504 and the ADA establish that reasonable and appropriate
academic accommodations must be provided to students with disabilities to allow equal
access to educational opportunities. While providing accommodations, however, institutions
of higher education are not required to lower academic standards or compromise the
integrity of the school or program.
Role of Accessibility and Disability Services
The ADSO is the campus unit designated to ensure that the institution meets its obligations
to provide services to students who are eligible for reasonable accommodations under
state and federal law.
Diagnosis and Documentation
The student is responsible for providing the ADSO with documentation of their impairment.
The diagnosis and documentation of the impairment are typically provided by an off-campus
diagnostician. In instances of a student with a medical condition, the diagnosis
and documentation may be provided or verified by medical staff at the Student Health
Center. The Disability Specialist determines whether the student's impairment is
a disability under state law.
Evaluation of Students with Disabilities in Undergraduate Admissions
Student applicants with disabilities are evaluated in the same manner as non-disabled
applicants. Applicants with disabilities are required to meet the institution's academic
standards for admission.
Typical Reasonable Accommodations and How They Are Determined
Although specific accommodations vary from individual to individual, there are broad categories of accommodations for students with disabilities. These categories include, but are not limited to, academic support services (i.e., readers, taped materials, notetakers), exam accommodations, and access to adaptive equipment. Accommodations are recommended by ADSO for students with disabilities on a case by case basis. The Disability Specialist's determination of which accommodations are reasonable is based on the nature of the disability and the student's current functional limitations, requirements of the specific courses in which the student is enrolled, and the University's obligation to provide equal access to educational opportunities.
Faculty Responsibilities for Providing Accommodations
Faculty must provide accommodations for a student with a disability if the student presents a letter enumerating identified accommodations from the ADSO. Students who do not provide the ADSO with verification should be asked to do so before accommodations are provided. If the faculty member disagrees with the an accommodation, or is aware of course-specific factors that have bearing on the accommodation, they should consult with ADSO.
If a faculty member disagrees with an accommodation for a given student and is unable to resolve the disagreement in consultation with ADSO staff, the student may file an appeal, in writing, with the Vice President of Student Affairs. While the matter is in dispute, the accommodation must be provided.
Frequently Asked Questions from Faculty
I have a student with a disability in my class, what should I do?
Protect the student's confidentiality by discussing accommodations in a private setting. Review the individualized accommodations letter. If you have any questions about the accommodations or about forms the student asks you to complete, contact the ADSO.
There is a student in my class that is having difficulty or I suspect may have a disability. What should I do?
If you think a student may have an unreported or undiagnosed disability and could benefit from our services, use your judgment in referring the student to the ADSO for assistance. If a student is concerned that the information is not confidential, please reinforce that all medical/disability related documentation is confidential and remains only with the ADSO. The student can meet to discuss the possible presence of a disability, the need for extra support, accommodations, or additional referrals. If students do not qualify for services, they may be referred to health, counseling, tutoring, or other services that may be more applicable to their situation.
Do I have the right to give a student needing testing accommodations another version of the class exam?
Yes. If the exam is not scheduled in the same time frame as the class exam, then you can provide another version of the exam. However, the exam version to be used would still need to cover the same information as the class exam.
How do I deal with a student who is missing too much class time due to a disability and attendance is required?
Refer the student to the ADSO if they have a medical reason for missing classes, assignments, and/or exams. The medical documentation can be verified by the ADSO, and the ADSO can work with faculty on a reasonable time schedule for completing work and exams.
Can I alter a student's accommodation?
No. Accommodations can only be altered if it is agreed upon by the student, faculty and the ADSO.
A student disclosed that they have a disability, can I just offer accommodations?
No. The student must report to the ADSO to ensure that all documentation is reviewed, and that appropriate accommodations are recommended.
Best Practices for Faculty
SEAS encourages faculty members to consider the following best practices in supporting students with disabilities:
- Place your book orders early, according to the Bookstore's deadlines. It can take
additional time to secure textbooks in accessible formats (e-text, large print, etc.).
- Respect the confidentiality of students with disabilities by discussing their accommodations
in a private setting.
- Students who are eligible for testing accommodations will provide you with a Test
Accommodation form for each exam for which he or she will need accommodations. If
ADSO will be administering the exam, please complete the form and return it. Students
are required to schedule all exams to be administered by the Accessibility and Disability
Services a minimum of three business days before a quiz, and a minimum of five business
days prior mid-term and final exams.
- As per ADA requirements, the following campus policy should appear in your syllabus:
CSU Maritime Academy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students
with disabilities. Students who believe they may need class accommodations are encouraged
to contact the Accessibility & Disability Services Office (ADSO) by email at DVides@csum.edu For more information, visit: https://www.csum.edu/disability-services/forms.html
Resources
California Online Voter Registration
Guide for People with Disabilities Who Want to Go to College (.pdf)
Guidance for Faculty/Staff Regarding Service Animals (.docx)
Guidance for University Housing Regarding Service & Assistance Animals (.docx)
How to Make Accessible Learning (video)
California State University- Policies
Executive Order 1111: CSU Policy on Disability Support and Accommodations