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To ensure all students at Southern California University of Health Sciences receive equal and fair access throughout their education, regardless of disability.
Prospective and current students are encouraged to contact Student Services for consultation and guidance regarding accommodation needs.
Students should submit accommodation requests as early as possible, preferably before the start of their program or course, to allow adequate time for review and implementation.
The Student Services Office (SSO) typically requires a minimum of one week to review submitted documentation and determine eligibility.
Submitting a request does not guarantee approval; it begins the interactive review process.
Important: Program requirements, essential functions, and learning outcomes cannot be modified to accommodate a disability.
To be considered for accommodations, students must submit the following:
Clearly state the diagnosed disability and explain how it substantially limits one or more major life activities
Identify functional limitations relevant to the academic environment
Include recommended accommodations and the rationale for each
Be current and reflect the student’s present level of functioning
Be completed by a qualified, licensed clinician (not a family member), such as a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or licensed therapist
Include the clinician’s name, credentials, signature, date, and official letterhead, along with methods or assessments used to make the diagnosis
All documentation is maintained in a confidential manner, unless the student provides written authorization for disclosure.
Once all required documentation is received, students may request a confidential meeting with Student Services to review submitted documentation, discuss functional limitations, and engage in the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations.
Accommodations are determined case by case, based on current functional limitations and program-specific requirements. Approved accommodations cannot fundamentally alter essential program elements or impose undue administrative or financial burden. Accommodations approved at other institutions do not automatically transfer to SCUHS and accommodations are not retroactive and are effective only from the approval date. If approved, students will receive a Faculty Accommodation Letter outlining approved accommodations and duration of the accommodation (single term, academic year, or program duration, as applicable).
Students are responsible for submitting renewal requests when needed.
Provide the Faculty Accommodation Letter to instructors before the start of each course or as soon as possible
Give reasonable notice when planning to use an accommodation
Example: Students approved for extended exam time should notify instructors at least one week in advance
Accommodations are implemented only after the official letter is received
Instructors with questions about implementation should contact Student Services for guidance
Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively to prior coursework or assessments.
Accommodation requests are typically reviewed within 5 business days
A request guarantees a fair and interactive process, not automatic approval
Accommodations are based on current functional limitations
Prior accommodations at another institution may not be appropriate for SCUHS programs
What is the Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) is a civil rights law that was originally passed by Congress in 1990 (as the Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA) and protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, as well as school and other settings. The ADA was amended in 2008 and became effective January 1, 2009. The law does not provide funding for services or accommodations. https://www.ncld.org/get-involved/learn-the-law/adaaa/
What are disabilities that will be considered for accommodations?
When can I begin using my approved accommodations?
Your accommodations are active per the start date listed on your faculty notification form. Accommodations cannot be retroactive - you cannot apply approved accommodations to past or already taken/completed assessments or classes.
How does SCUHS provide equitable access to education?
Student Services Office reviews appropriate medical documentation, and consistent with laws and best practices determines reasonable accommodations, as well as auxiliary aids and services.
What does this mean for students?
This allows students to request a modification or reasonable accommodation to allow them to fully participate in the classroom and campus life. Once a modification or reasonable accommodation is approved, the student has the choice and responsibility to notify their instructors in a timely fashion.
It is important for students to know that accommodations and services may not cause a fundamental alteration to core requirements of the course, program of study, or University requirements. Students, faculty, and Student Services staff work together to define the limitations, if they exist, for accommodations.
How are religious accommodations implemented for students?
Reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual basis and depend on the circumstances. Students have a right to express religious beliefs without discrimination and have a safe place for worship and prayer. Examples of religious accommodations includes rescheduling an exam, allowing a group presentation to be given on a different date, and adjusting a due date if said item falls on a religious event or Holiday.
Accommodation requests that will fundamentally alter program requirements, classroom curriculum, learning objectives, or student expectations will not be approved. Accommodation requests that will create an undue and unfair burden to others, including students, will not be approved.
How do I reserve a quiet room on campus to take my test?
Campus locations can be: the LRC study rooms, the study rooms in the Chesney Center, or an empty class. Students prefer to use the LRC, but in cases when the LRC is closed/unavailable, students may use an empty classroom.
How to reserve a study room in the LRC: It is the student’s responsibility to email SCUHS Library SCUHSLibrary@scuhs.edu with their room reservation needs and include the date, timeframe, class name, and any other instructions such as may use paper, may use notes. Instructors must provide passwords to their exams by emailing SCUHSLibrary@scuhs.edu. Rooms will only be reserved when the request is made 7 days prior to the test date. Requests not following these parameters might not be fulfilled.
How to reserve an empty classroom: Students prefer to use the LRC, but in cases when the LRC is closed/unavailable, students may reserve an empty classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to email Student Services StudentServices@scuhs.edu with their room reservation needs and include the date, timeframe, class name, and any other instructions such as may use paper, may use notes. Classroom will only be reserved when the request is made 7 days prior to the test date. Requests not following these parameters might not be fulfilled.
How to reserve a study room in other buildings? All other rooms (excluding the LRC and classrooms) such as the Chesney Center are first come, first serve. We are unable to reserve these rooms.
Please note! The LRC follows the standard calendar which closes when the campus is closed or on break. To verify if the LRC will be open when needed, please review SCU's calendars at www.scuhs.edu and search 'Academic Calendars' or click here for direct access. Students who fail to properly reserve their room within the 7 business days timeframe may not receive a quiet room in the LRC or a classroom and consequently may not receive a quiet room for their exam. Instructors are not required to proctor a student’s exam separately if they fail to schedule properly with the LRC.
Do my approved accommodations apply to the clinical settings?
Approved accommodations for the academic or didactic environment apply specifically to classroom and exam settings. If accommodations are required for clinical settings, you will need to follow up with Student Services to engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations in collaboration with your program.
Access to Food and Drinks – A student’s disability may require them to have access to food or drink during class. The student is required to bring their own provisions. In classrooms where food and drink are not permitted (a sterile lab), the student should discuss an equally effective alternative with the instructor when necessary.
Alternative Format – Books and materials may be needed in an electronic, screen-readable format. Students must submit a request for a book or article to the CDR office through their Disability Resource Portal. The Alternative Format Coordinator will prepare the materials for the student and deliver them electronically. Instructors are responsible to ensure that all posted electronic reading materials are presented in an accessible, screen-readable format.
Assistive Listening Devices – These devices are personal amplifiers (FM system) that are used by students who are hard-of-hearing to increase the volume of the professor’s voice in the classroom environment. Faculty are required to wear a microphone or transmitter during the lecture.
Bathroom Breaks During Timed and Proctored Assessments – For in-person/on-ground students, bathroom breaks during timed and proctored assessments may be taken with the assistance of their instructor. This may involve the proctor escorting the student to and from the restroom. For online students, bathroom breaks during timed and proctored assessments can only be taken by completing the exam on campus (*see FAQ: How to Reserve a Quiet Room for Testing) or at a verified testing site. The instructor will verify the testing center and if approved, begin coordinating with the site to deliver exam materials.
Breaks During Lecture and Lab – A student may need to leave class for a disability-related reason. The student is expected to do this as discretely as possible. This accommodation does not require the entire class to have breaks, only the individual, and only when needed. For online students, they must remain visible and on-camera. This might include using a camera that faces their back.
Course Materials in an Alternative Format – This accommodation is provided for an individual with a print disability who needs written material available in a screen-readable, electronic format. If the material is graphic, then “Alt Text”, which is a description of an image, graph, or any other visual representation, must be added and is required.
Earplugs – The use of earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones during exams
Enlarged Print – Students with this accommodation may need all handouts and class materials in enlarged font/print. The font size can vary depending on the student’s needs, and students should notify instructors what font size is necessary for access.
Extended Time for Tests/Exams/Quizzes -1.5X – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes in the amount of 1.5 (Time-and-a-half)
Extended Time for Tests/Exams/Quizzes -2X – Extended time on in-class exams and quizzes in the amount of 2.0 (Double time)
Head Coverings for Religious Purposes - We recognize and respect the use of head coverings worn for religious purposes, which may demonstrate modesty, signify religious leadership, or acknowledge one’s faith affiliation. Common examples include birettas, hijabs or scarves, turbans, kippahs, veils, ghoonghats, and shtreimels. For online students, if it is not possible to confirm that nothing is concealed within covered ears or around a covered neck prior to testing, the student will be required to (a) schedule a separate session with a live proctor (a female proctor can be requested). The live proctor availability schedule will be provided to assist with scheduling; or (b) The student may take their test at a verified testing site. The student is responsible for notifying their instructor of the testing site's name in advance. If required, the instructor will send the test to the specified site. Any costs associated with using a verified testing site are the responsibility of the student.
Live Reader – The use of a human reader to read the exam aloud to the student.
Mobile Devices During Assessments - The use of mobile devices for any other reason, including but not limited to looking up answers, using AI tools, or any form of assistance that aids in completing the exam or quiz, is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the University's academic integrity policies. Students are encouraged to notify their instructor in advance if they will be using a mobile device for medical reasons during an exam or quiz.
Note Taking Assistance – Use of a laptop, tablet, smart pen, or a recording device during class lectures and labs. The student may pick the platform such as Microsoft Delicate, Google Translate, etc.
Observance of Legally Recognized Holidays - Students are entitled to excused absences when legally recognized holidays falls on a scheduled class day. Excused absences for holidays apply only to the specific date of the holiday itself. Requests to extend the absence to the day before or after the holidays are not permitted.
Peer Note Taker – The student will have access to notes taken by another member of the class who is hired and paid through the work-study program. Peer notes are delivered through a confidential email group NoteTaker@scuhs.edu .
Preferential Seating – This refers to a specific seating location (usually the front of the classroom) within the classroom.
Quiet Environment or Separate Live Proctoring – Permits students to take an exam in a location that is reasonably quiet with a low stimuli room. There should be no visual or audible distractions present in the room (i.e., no cell phones). This can include a room with 10-15 maximum students.
Screen Reader – Allows for the use of a computer with text-to-speech software to read exam content to student.
Simple Function Calculator – Use of a basic, 4-function (non-programmable, non-graphing, non-scientific) calculator.
Assistive technology includes software, hardware, and digital tools designed to help students overcome barriers related to visual, auditory, cognitive, mobility, and communication differences.
Microsoft 365 (Office Suite)
To access these tools, sign into microsoft.com with your university credentials and click on apps to install the specific app or extension. If you need assist, please contact IT Support Desk: 1-877-626-9748, email ITServiceDesk@scuhs.edu .