Requesting Accommodations
Prospective and current students are encouraged to contact the designated Accessibility Services Officer for consultation and guidance regarding accommodation needs. Students are strongly advised to submit accommodation requests as early as possible, preferably prior to the start of their program or course for which accommodations are needed allowing 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 for services.

Program requirements, essential functions, and learning outcomes cannot be modified to accommodate a disability.

Documentation Requirements
To be eligible for accommodations, the student must fill out and return the Request for Accommodations form and Accommodation Agreement, and a healthcare provider document which can be a letter directly from the provider or they may choose to fill out our verification form.

The student's disability must meet the definition established under federal law. Students must provide current, comprehensive documentation from a qualified, licensed clinician who is not a family member. Qualified professionals include physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or licensed therapists who adhere to established standards of practice in their respective fields. Additionally, the healthcare provider must have the proper scope of practice to diagnosis and recommend accommodations. 

Healthcare provider documentation/letter must include:

• Clearly state the diagnosed disability and describe how it substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• Identify the functional limitations relevant to the academic environment.
• Include recommended accommodations and the rationale for each.
• Be recent enough to reflect the student’s current level of functioning relative to the disability.
• Include the clinician’s name, title, professional credentials, signature, and date on official letterhead, along with the methods or assessments used in making the diagnosis.

All documentation and related information are maintained in a confidential manner unless the student provides written authorization for disclosure.

Documents required -

• Documentation Requirements and Verification Form 
• Request for Accommodations
• Accommodation Agreement 
• Documentation Guidelines 

Interactive Process
Upon receipt of the required documentation, a confidential meeting can be requested with the student to discuss their request, review submitted documents and engage in the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations.

Submitting a request does not guarantee approval of accommodations. Rather, it initiates a collaborative review process to determine eligibility and appropriateness of requested accommodations.

Determination and Implementation

• Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on current functional limitations and program-specific requirements.
• Approved accommodations may not fundamentally alter essential program elements or create an undue administrative or financial burden.
• Accommodations approved at other institutions may not automatically transfer to SCU.
• Approved accommodations are effective from the date they are granted and are not retroactive.

If accommodations are approved, the student will receive a Faculty Accommodation Letter specifying the approved accommodations. If there is an end date for the accommodation, it will be noted on the letter - accommodations are typically valid for a single term, academic year, or the duration of the student’s program, depending on the nature of the disability and documentation provided. Students are responsible for submitting renewal requests as needed.

Student and Faculty Responsibilities
Students are responsible for providing their Faculty Accommodation Letter to their instructors prior to the start of each course or as soon as possible thereafter. Instructors are not required to implement accommodations until the official letter has been received. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively to prior coursework or assessments.

If instructors have questions or require assistance in implementing accommodations, they are encouraged to contact Student Services for guidance and support.

Important Notes about Accommodations

• Accommodation applications will be reviewed within 5 business days.
• A request for accommodations does not guarantee approval. It does guarantee an interactive and fair process to reach a decision.
• Accommodations cannot fundamentally alter a student's program or impose an undue burden of any kind to administration, instructors, or the University. An accommodation provided at a previous institution may not be appropriate for your program at SCU. 
• Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on a student's current functional limitations. 
• Accommodations are not retroactive. They are active from the time they are approved. 
• Students are responsible for providing reasonable notice of intent to use an accommodation. For example, students receiving extra time on exams should notify their instructor 1 week in advance of an exam. 

For questions: StudentServices@scuhs.edu