Returning Student

Accommodations

Once accommodations have been approved, it is the student’s responsibility to submit a Semester Request each semester in order for their Letter of Accommodation to be issued. This process is completed online through the Accommodate system. It is important that Semester Requests be submitted in a timely manner since accommodations don’t apply retroactively. If our office does not receive a Semester Request from the student, the Letter of Accommodation will not be issued to faculty, and accommodations will not be in effect. The steps to submit a Semester Request each semester are as follows:

Step 1

Login to Accommodate using your UVU ID and password.

Step 2

Click on the ‘Accommodation’ tab and select ‘Semester Request’.

Step 3

Click the 'Add New' button.

Step 4

Select the semester in the semester drop down box.

Step 5

If all approved accommodations are needed for all classes, click on ‘Submit for all Accommodations’. If you would like to customize your approved accommodations based on your classes, click on ‘Review the Renewal’.

Once the Semester Request is received and processed by a counselor, the Letter of Accommodation will be sent via email to the student, appropriate instructors, and any other relevant staff for the classes designated in the Semester Request. A copy of the letter will also be available in the student portal in Accommodate.

Once the Letter of Accommodation has been issued to faculty, students will need to meet with each instructor to discuss the details of the accommodations and determine how each accommodation will/can work in the course. In some circumstances, requested accommodations may not be reasonable in specific courses. If this arises, OAS will engage with faculty and determine what is reasonable. In cases where, based on the nature of the course and the essential elements, a requested accommodation is not reasonable OAS may explore alternatives with the student if an access barrier is still present.

Requesting Additional Accommodations

Accommodations are initially approved by an OAS counselor during the Intake Meeting or a follow-up meeting based on the functional limitations and access barriers presented at that time.  However, OAS is aware that changes with the diagnosis, functional limitations, and access barriers may change as the student moves through their educational program.  If a student receives a new diagnosis with additional impacts, experiences a change in their limitations or barriers since the Intake Meeting, or wants to modify their approved accommodations, the student should acquire updated documentation from their medical/mental health provider and set an appointment to meet with their OAS counselor.  Through the interactive process and review of information, it will be determined whether or not new/revised accommodations would be appropriate.

Accommodations not Approved in Higher Education

The Office of Accessibility Services strives to ensure access for students with disabilities by establishing and implementing accommodations. However, there are some items that are not considered accommodations in higher education.  This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Individualized instruction
  • Tutoring
  • Personal care attendant provided by institution
  • Supplying personal aids and assistive devices (i.e. wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.)
  • Transportation to/from/around campus

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Utah Valley University is committed to providing equal access for qualified students with disabilities, in accordance with state and federal laws. Equal access is provided through accommodations on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). As a student with a disability receiving accommodation from OAS, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities outlined below.

OAS Students Have the Right To:

  1. An equal opportunity to access course information and materials.
  2. An equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the university community.
  3. To choose whether or not to disclose the nature of your disability to your professor(s). The information you provide to OAS is protected by FERPA.
  4. To file a grievance if you believe you have been discriminated against.

 

Group of students looking through a book.

OAS Student Responsibilities:

  1. Self-identify to OAS as having a disability and provide accurate and timely documentation.
  2. Check UVU email and/or Accommodate portal for updates and announcements.
  3. Understand that the accommodation process, from application to implementation, can take up to three weeks to be completed.
  4. Request accommodations each semester in a timely manner and understand that a late request does not constitute retroactive adjustments.
  5. Notify OAS if classes are dropped or added.
  6. Ensure that instructors have received the Letter of Accommodation once it has been issued.
  7. Communicate directly with instructors regarding exam accommodations and stay in communication about the time and place of such exams.
  8. Contact OAS in a timely manner if having any difficulty securing or arranging accommodations.
  9. Promptly return any borrowed equipment to OAS when it is no longer needed.
  10. If approved for note taking or audio recording services, I understand that these services are for my use only and may not be shared. In addition, I understand that I must be present in class to receive these services.
  11. Understand that requesting accommodations does not mean that I will be approved.
  12. Meet the same standards—academic, technical, performance and behavioral—expected of all Utah Valley University students.
  13. Some accommodations may be approved temporarily. This may be due to insufficient documentation and/or type of disability. In these cases, I will need to update my documentation to receive accommodations again. I understand that approval with be based on a review of the new documentation and there is no guarantee that the same or any accommodations will be approved.
  14. Understand that faculty are not required to provide any accommodation that fundamentally alters the nature of their course or lowers the academic standards.

Grievance Process for Accommodation Denial

If an accommodation request is not approved, and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to seek a review and reconsideration through the OAS Grievance Process pursuant to UVU Policy 152 Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities, Section 5.5.

Grievances related to discrimination based on disability should be directed to the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action pursuant to UVU Policy 165 Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action.

Student sitting on the steps of the UVU quad waterfall, looking at her phone.