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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. Please note that each academic program requires its own accommodation approval letter. This means a new accommodation request must be submitted if a student enrolls in a secondary academic program. .
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.
1. Instructional Access Accommodations
Access to Food and Drink
Students whose disability requires access to food or beverages during class may bring their own food and drinks. In instructional environments where food or beverages are prohibited due to health or safety requirements (e.g., sterile laboratories), the student should work with the instructor to identify an equally effective accommodation that maintains the essential safety requirements of the course.
Breaks During Lecture and Laboratory Courses
Students may need to briefly leave class or a laboratory session for a disability-related reason. Students should do so as discreetly as possible to minimize disruption to the learning environment. This accommodation applies only to the individual student and does not require breaks for the entire class.
For synchronous online courses, students should remain engaged in the course to the greatest extent possible. If a disability-related break requires the student to step away briefly, they should notify the instructor when feasible and return promptly.
Preferential Seating
Students approved for preferential seating may choose or be assigned seating that best addresses the functional limitations associated with their disability, such as seating near the instructor, away from distractions, near an exit, or in another location that provides equal access to instruction.
Note-Taking Assistance
Students approved for note-taking assistance may use technology such as a laptop, tablet, smart pen, or audio recording device to capture lecture content for their personal educational use. Students may also use approved transcription or translation software when appropriate. We recommend NV Access (NV Access | Download NVDA ). Recordings and notes may not be shared, distributed, or used for purposes other than the student's individual educational needs.
Assistive Listening Devices
Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may use assistive listening devices, such as personal FM systems, to improve access to classroom instruction. Faculty may be required to wear a microphone or transmitter during lectures to ensure the device functions effectively.
2. Instructional Materials & Accessibility
Alternative Format
Students who require textbooks or course materials in an accessible electronic format must submit a request through the Disability Resource Portal. Student Services will coordinate the conversion and delivery of eligible materials in an accessible format. Faculty are responsible for ensuring that all electronically posted course materials are accessible and compatible with screen-reading technology whenever possible.
Course Materials in an Alternative Format
Students with a print disability may receive course materials in an accessible electronic format compatible with assistive technology. Materials containing images, graphs, charts, or other visual content should include appropriate alternative text (Alt Text) whenever feasible to ensure equitable access.
Enlarged Print
Students approved for enlarged print may receive printed examinations, handouts, and instructional materials in an enlarged font. The student is responsible for notifying Student Services of the font size needed to ensure effective access.
Screen Reader
Students approved for this accommodation may use approved text-to-speech or screen-reading software to access digital examination content and other instructional materials. Student Services will assist with setting this up. The software may read text aloud but may not provide definitions, explanations, or other forms of academic assistance unless separately approved.
3. Testing and Assessment Accommodations
To ensure students are meeting program learning objectives and following policy due dates, we do not approve extended time on assignments or exams. Programs already have an established process to request additional time on assignments and to reschedule exams due to health-related and other circumstances, those processes should be utilized when such needs occur.
Extended Time for Tests, Exams, and Quizzes (1.5×)
Students approved for this accommodation will receive time and one-half (150%) of the standard testing time on timed quizzes, examinations, and other timed assessments.
Extended Time for Tests, Exams, and Quizzes (2×)
Students approved for this accommodation will receive double (200%) the standard testing time on timed quizzes, examinations, and other timed assessments.
Reduced-Distraction Testing Environment
Students approved for this accommodation will complete quizzes and examinations in a testing environment with minimal visual and auditory distractions. This accommodation does not require a private room and may be provided in a shared testing space with a limited number of other students.
Breaks During Timed and Proctored Assessments, including Bathroom Breaks
Breaks during timed and proctored assessments must be completed in person at the Library or another University-approved testing site. It is the student's responsibility to schedule their tests in the LRC or locate and coordinate with a testing center and their instructors.
Breaks are provided only when the standard exam time (prior to extended time) is 60 minutes or longer. Students are permitted one 5-minute break, which may be taken at any time during the exam and is added to their total time. The exam clock does not stop during the break. Students may stand, stretch, or use the restroom but may not access electronic devices, notes, personal belongings, or communicate with others.
Live Reader
Students approved for this accommodation may have a trained human reader read exam questions aloud during assessments. The reader may not interpret, explain, or assist with answering questions.
Simple Four-Function Calculator
Students approved for this accommodation may use a basic four-function calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division only). Programmable, graphing, scientific, or internet-enabled calculators are not permitted unless specifically authorized.
Earplugs
Students approved for this accommodation may use non-electronic foam earplugs or approved noise-reducing headphones during examinations. Devices must not have Bluetooth or communication capabilities.
Mobile Medical Devices During Assessments
Students may use approved medical devices, including mobile applications required for medical monitoring or condition management, during assessments when authorized as an accommodation.
Use of mobile devices for non-medical purposes is strictly prohibited.
Students must notify their instructor or testing center in advance if such a device will be used.
Head Coverings for Religious Purposes
The University recognizes and respects religious head coverings.
If verification of testing integrity cannot reasonably be completed in an online proctored setting, students may:
Students are responsible for coordinating arrangements in advance.
4. Testing Environment Procedures
Quiet or Separate Testing Environment
Students approved for this accommodation will take exams in a low-distraction environment. This may include a quiet room or a shared testing space with limited occupancy designed to minimize interruptions.
5. Health-Related Testing Accommodations
Eating During Examinations
Students approved for this accommodation may consume a small, non-disruptive snack during examinations when medically necessary. Snacks must not disrupt the testing environment or compromise exam integrity.
Drinking Water During Examinations
Students approved for this accommodation may have access to water during examinations. Water must be in a spill-proof, transparent container and used in a manner that does not disrupt the testing environment.
6. Attendance and Participation Accommodations
Excused Absences
Each academic program maintains a standardized process for excused absences. Programs may limit the number of absences due to instructional time requirements and accreditation standards.
Students must follow their program’s excused absence process and comply with attendance policies. Requests are considered for a variety of circumstances, and faculty will work with students within program guidelines.
Observance of Legally Recognized Holidays
Students are entitled to excused absences for legally recognized holidays occurring on scheduled instructional days. This applies only to the date of the holiday and does not extend to adjacent days unless otherwise required by policy or law.
7. Academic Flexibility Accommodations
Extensions on Assignments
Each academic program provides a process for students to request short-term assignment extensions, typically 24–48 hours depending on course structure.
Students should contact their instructor to learn the process. Faculty will review requests based on course requirements and learning objectives.
8. Important Academic Integrity Statement
Mobile Devices During Assessments (General Use)
The use of mobile devices for non-approved purposes during exams or quizzes is strictly prohibited, including searching for answers, using AI tools, or accessing course materials.
Violations may result in disciplinary action under the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
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 .