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ODE

Receiving student requests

Official requests

Faculty will receive an official accommodation letter from the student, generated by ODE. This letter serves as formal notification of the student’s approved accommodations.

Unofficial requests

If a student requests accommodations without an official accommodation letter, refer the student to ODE before negotiating or providing any unofficial accommodations. This ensures consistency and compliance with the laws and University policy.

Responding and implementing accommodations

Here are three steps to respond and implementing accommodations. 

Step 1: Review the accommodation letter

  • Read the letter carefully to understand the student’s approved accommodations. 
  • If you have questions or concerns, contact the student's access consultant (See Consulting with ODE section below).

Step 2: Meet privately with the student

  • If the student hasn’t initiated a meeting after sending the letter, invite them to connect with you. 
  • Use this meeting to discuss how accommodations will be implemented in your course. Collaborate with the student to determine how best to apply the accommodations in your course. Clarify expectations for communication, timelines, and any course-specific considerations.
  • Document any mutually agreed upon arrangements and expectations related to reasonable accommodations.

Step 3: Implement the approved accommodations

  • Refer to the common accommodations page for detailed guidance on accommodations.
  • Maintain confidentiality and treat all disability-related information as private.

Consulting with ODE

Faculty should promptly contact the assigned Access Consultant when any of the following situations arise and before acting:

  • You have questions about how to implement an approved.
  • You are unsure how course activities could be modified to address the accommodation.
  • A student requests accommodations not listed in their accommodation letter.
  • An accommodation appears to conflict with essential course requirements or established course policies.
  • You are considering denying an accommodation request.

Addressing potential fundamental alteration

If you believe an accommodation would fundamentally alter an essential course requirement or academic standards, ODE will initiate the interactive process with you. 

View the fundamental alteration procedure.

Key takeaways

  • Do not inform the student directly if an accommodation cannot be provided. Do contact the student’s Access Consultant to discuss essential course requirements and explore alternative accommodations.
  • Do not request disability documentation from students. Do reach out to the student’s Access Consultant with questions or to share any concerns.
  • Do not provide unapproved accommodations. Do consult with the student’s Access Consultant if you believe an accommodation cannot be implemented as requested.