The DRC works with students to reduce disability-related barriers and support equal access to academic programs, services, and activities. We engage in an interactive process with students to discuss needs, review documentation, and determine reasonable accommodations or disability-related resources, as appropriate.
Any admitted or enrolled student experiencing disability-related barriers—or who would like to learn more about available resources—may contact the DRC. You do not need to have accommodations already in place to schedule an appointment.
To get started:
- Review the Steps for Requesting Accommodations
- Complete the Student Application for Accommodations
- Schedule an appointment with the DRC
Accommodations are not automatic and are determined through an individualized, interactive process.
No. Students are not required to disclose the nature of their disability to instructors. Faculty are notified only of approved accommodations via official letters.
Documentation may be requested to help determine eligibility and appropriate accommodations. Acceptable documentation can include records of prior accommodations, educational plans, or medical or clinical information.
The DRC will let you know if additional documentation is needed.
No. Accommodations are not retroactive. They apply from the date the faculty notification letters are issued. The DRC cannot require instructors to modify grades, deadlines, or assessments for work completed before accommodations were approved.
Students are encouraged to request accommodations as early as possible.
Requests made the day before or the day of an exam may not be processed in time. The accommodation system may require 24–48 business hours to pull course information and generate faculty notifications, and accommodations cannot be guaranteed for last-minute requests.
Some assignments may present access barriers due to their format or design, particularly when they rely heavily on visual, auditory, or sensory elements.
When this occurs, the DRC will work with you and your instructor to explore accessible options that preserve the assignment’s essential learning objectives. This may include alternate formats or equivalent ways to demonstrate learning.
Faculty may make informal adjustments, but official accommodations must be approved by the DRC. Faculty are not required to provide accommodations without DRC approval and notification.
If you are unsure, contact the DRC for guidance.
You must send accommodation letters to faculty each semester. Some accommodations may require additional requests (e.g., testing or alternative-format materials).
If you have concerns about accommodation implementation:
- Contact the DRC as soon as possible.
- A DRC staff member will help address the issue and work with you and the instructor.
Yes. Accommodation needs may change based on coursework, disability impact, or other factors. Students are encouraged to follow up with the DRC to discuss possible solutions.
No. Universal Design is a proactive approach that benefits many students, but some students will still need individualized accommodations determined through the interactive process. For more on Universal Design, check out the Universal Design Hub.
That’s okay. You can contact the DRC to ask questions, schedule an appointment, or talk through concerns, whether you need or qualify for accommodations.
Most accommodated exams are administered through Testing Services to provide an accessible and secure testing environment. In some cases, exams may be administered within the academic department. Your instructor determines where your exam will take place.
If you are approved for testing accommodations, you must submit testing requests in the accommodation system for each exam, following posted timelines. For more information, please visit Accommodated Testing.
Late requests may not be processed in time for the exam.
Testing accommodations often require coordination between faculty, Testing Services, and the DRC. Requesting accommodations early helps ensure that space, staff, and technology are available when needed.