How To Apply
Please know that services through the Center for Accessibility and Learning Equity are voluntary and provided only upon student request.
Students who have a documented or suspected physical or mental health concern that may warrant reasonable accommodations should utilize the following process:
If accommodations are approved, student receives accommodation letter from CALE outlining accommodations. Student is responsible for presenting letter to faculty. Accommodations are not retroactive.
If accommodations are denied, student is informed by the Director of the Center for Accessibility and Learning Equity. Director will inform student of the reason for denial, students are welcome to reapply with additional/new information.
If you are unable to provide current (no more than three years old) documentation from a psychiatrist, psychologist or certified mental health professional, please reach out to Spalding University’s Counseling and Psychological Services for a full battery of assessments at no additional cost (available to current Spalding University students). Please note that the assessment process may take one or more sessions and that the assessment process may be time-consuming. Students are encouraged to contact the Spalding Counseling Center as soon as possible to schedule an assessment.
For first year students, an IEP or 504 plan from previous high school may be helpful information, but generally is not sufficient documentation. The IEP or 504 would need to be current and relevant to the student’s current needs (generally current within 3 years).
Please note that the application must be completed each academic year in order to access services. If the student has medical documentation on file that is current and relevant to the requested accommodations the renewal application is sufficient. Students are always encouraged to schedule a meeting to discuss any desired adjustments to their accommodations.
The student and/or the instructor should communicate any concerns about accommodations to the Director of Accessibility and Learning Equity.
Note: The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) stipulates that post-secondary institutions are responsible for providing necessary accommodations when a student discloses a disability unless to do so would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the programs or result in an “undue burden.” Providing accommodations do not compromise the essential elements of a course or curriculum; nor do they weaken the academic standards or integrity of a course. Accommodations simply provide an alternative way to accomplish the course requirements by eliminating or reducing disability related barriers. They provide a level playing field, not an unfair advantage.
The Center for Accessibility and Learning Equity establishes the final determination of appropriate accommodations.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the STUDENT to follow the steps above in order to access services through the Center for Accessibility and Learning Equity.
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