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ODE

Roles and responsibilities

Implementing reasonable accommodations is a shared responsibility. Through the interactive process, students, faculty, and ODE each play an important role in ensuring equal access.

Students: Taking the lead

  1. Start the process by contacting ODE to register and schedule an initial meeting with an access consultant.
  2. Providing ODE with relevant information, including medical or educational documentation that identifies disability-related academic barriers.
  3. Review the accommodation letter issued by ODE.
  4. Communicate with faculty by providing the accommodation letter and requesting accommodations in a timely manner.
  5. Stay connected with ODE to request additional accommodations or report any issues with implementation.

ODE: Facilitating access

  1. Evaluate accommodation requests and supporting documentation to determine eligibility.
  2. Coordinate and deliver reasonable academic accommodations for eligible students.
  3. Engage in the interactive process by collaborating with students, faculty, and campus partners to identify barriers, assess course requirements, and implement accommodations.
  4. Consult with faculty and departments when a requested accommodation may result in a fundamental alteration or undue burden.
  5. Identify alternative accommodations when necessary.
  6. Assist students when they require additional accommodations or implementation concerns occur.

Faculty: Supporting implementation

  1. Collaborate with students and ODE to implement accommodations listed in the accommodation letter.
  2. Implement accommodations promptly and consistently.
  3. Reach out to ODE immediately with any questions or concerns about accommodation requests or implementation.
  4. Notify ODE promptly if an accommodation may fundamentally alter a course.
  5. Respond quickly to ODE’s requests for information or collaboration.

Addressing potential fundamental alteration

If you - a faculty member - believe an accommodation may fundamentally alter an essential course requirement or academic standard, ODE will initiate the interactive process upon your inquiry. 

Step 1: Faculty inquiry

Contact the student's access consultant to discuss your concerns.

Step 2: Evaluation

The access consultant reviews relevant materials, such as the syllabus, and consults with you. If a reasonable alternative is identified, the access consultant notifies the student and updates the accommodation letter.

Step 3: Collaborative review 

If needed, the access consultant and the assistant director may consult with faculty from the academic unit, department chairs, or other knowledgeable administrators to: 

  • Identify essential course or program requirements. 
  • Determine whether the requested accommodation is reasonable.
  • Explore alternative accommodations that meet the same learning objectives. 

Step 4: Decision notification

All relevant parties, including you and the student, receive the decision. If the requested accommodation is denied or modified, the notification outlines the reasons for the decision.

If the student disagrees with the decision, the student may request a reconsideration by the director.