FAQs
Am I responsible for contacting students when I receive the Faculty Notification Letter (FNL)?
Students are strongly encouraged to initiate a meeting to discuss accommodations. You are not required to contact the student. However, if you receive a letter and the student does not approach you, we strongly recommend reaching out to the student. A brief email to the student that acknowledges you are aware of their accommodations and encourages them to meet with you is suggested. Include this email in your recordkeeping for the course.
Can I set a deadline for accepting accommodation requests for the semester?
No. Students may request accommodations at any time during the semester. However, accommodations are not retroactive and only begin from the date of formal request.
What should I do if a student says they have a disability and I have not received a letter?
Refer the student to Student Disability Services (SDS). You may also contact the office at anytime and SDS staff can review the student’s record to confirm whether or not they have requested accommodations. You are not required to provide accommodations if you have not received a FNL. Remember, FNLs are sent via email and it is important to monitor your messages closely throughout the semester.
Am I required to receive a FNL before I can provide accommodations?
The university recommends that faculty only provide accommodations for students they have received formal notification for. However, faculty are encouraged to employ universal design principles to promote overall course accessibility.
How far in advance will I be notified if I have a student that requires me to adjust my course material?
When you have a student that requires advance planning for course accessibility, SDS will contact you for a pre-term consultation. In most cases, these students may require captioned media and alternative formats including braille and tactile course materials. You will be contacted the semester before the class begins or as soon as the student registers for the course.
Students have a right to change their course schedule at anytime. Due to this, advance notice cannot be guaranteed. Faculty are strongly encouraged to embed accessibility into course design to minimize necessary alterations if a student that requires accommodations registers for the course.
What should I do if a student discloses their disability to me but is not affiliated with SDS?
Refer the student to SDS and document the referral.
Does confidentiality prevent me from talking to SDS about student progress?
SDS complies with FERPA guidelines. SDS staff can discuss student concerns and progress for the purpose of coordinating services and plans for the student’s educational benefit. SDS welcomes faculty to contact the office at anytime concerning student needs.
What should I do if I am concerned that an accommodation fundamentally alters my course?
Contact SDS immediately if you are concerned that an accommodations is a fundamental alteration. SDS staff will consult and provide guidance regarding your concern.