It is the responsibility of the faculty to determine the essential elements and standards of the academic program or course of study. Faculty should communicate both orally and in writing classroom policies and practices concerning attendance, grading, examination formats, extensions, office hours, and helping resources so that students can determine what accommodations they may need in a particular class. The faculty must also protect disabled students’ rights to privacy and confidentiality in all communications. The faculty member can also request confirmation of the appropriateness of an accommodation from the Director of Academic Program Support and Disability Services.

Students may be hesitant to come forward, and facing the demands within a college environment, they may be discovering a new, different, or unanticipated impact of their disability upon their academic performance. Faculty can facilitate communication with students on disability-related matters by including a statement in the syllabus like the following:

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is encouraged to see me as soon as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Also, if you have not already done so, contact Lynn Waldman, Director of Academic Program Support and Disability Services (McGregory 105, ext. 7225), to discuss your request for accommodations.