Gallaudet University
College of Liberal Arts, Sciences,
and Technologies
Gallaudet University
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Academic Accommodations PolicyThe regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (see below) specifically addresses the issue of discrimination based on disability in the event that fulfilling a course requirement puts a student with a disability at a disadvantage. Gallaudet University complies with these regulations and makes every effort to reasonably accommodate students with disabilities. One clear example of this issue of discrimination is the requirement for physical education activity courses when the individual is physically challenged. It is appropriate to continue to allow the academic departments involved, Office of Students With Disabilities (OSWD), and the student to determine an appropriate substitute in instances such as these whenever possible. The form used for course substitutions and waivers should be completed and signed, and documentation of the disability should be kept in the student's file at OSWD. If an agreement cannot be reached, the following policy and procedures will apply. Examples that are less clear are those involving students with learning disabilities. The most common course substitutions for these students across the country are for math and foreign languages. However, there may be other requests based on individual circumstances. Complicating factors are the wide range in types and severity of the disability; the diagnosis of the disability, which is much more complex, and often leaves some room for interpretation; and the ability in some cases to remediate through accommodations such as extended time on exams, tutoring, extra take-home assignments, etc. Any proposal for course accommodations, modifications, or substitutions must be accompanied by proof of diagnosis and recommendations for adjustments. (See Procedures for Submitting Requests for Modification in courses or Programs below.) The proposal must be submitted, in case of undergraduate students, to the Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies, and in case of graduate students, to the Dean of Graduate School. The University reserves the right to make accommodations as appropriate for students who need them. Due to the complex nature of such requests, the policy and procedures outlined in this document were developed in 1999 and are based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: "No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States ... shall, solely on the basis of disability, be denied access to, or the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by any institution receiving federal financial assistance." Regulations - Academic Adjustments: "A recipient to which this subpart applies shall make modifications to its academic requirements as are necessary to ensure that such requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of disability, against a qualified disabled applicant or student. Academic requirements that the recipient can demonstrate are essential to the program of instruction being pursued by such student or to any directly related licensing requirement will not be regarded as discriminatory within the meaning of this section. Modifications may include changes in the length of time permitted for the completion of degree requirements, substitution of specific courses required for the completion of degree requirements, and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted." In compliance with federal regulations, it is the policy of Gallaudet University to respond to student requests for course substitution that are based on discrimination due to disability. The following outlines the steps that students must take to obtain accommodations based on their disabilities. In general, students with disabilities are expected to meet the course and program* requirements of Gallaudet University, as are all students. When a course is essential to a major-level program, no modifications are possible. It is absolutely necessary, for example, for an engineer or architect to have courses in mathematics or for a lawyer to have courses in government. However, in some cases, students with disabilities may be unable to succeed in a course because of their disability, and that course may be less essential to the students' particular major. For example, a quantitative method course may not be essential for an English major. In such cases, students with disabilities may be able to demonstrate competence in a related subject in which their disability does not hinder them. A program modification may include substituting one course for another or modifying a required course. What is "essential" to a major, course of study, or degree requirement must be decided by the University's Academic Accommodations Committee, and in every case the student has the responsibility to provide documentation supporting the need for this modification. In the event of a change of major after course adjustment or substitution, such course changes may not be approved for the new major. [ top ] Procedures for Submitting Requests for Modification in Courses or ProgramsThe Academic Accommodations Committee will consider requests to modify courses. Standing members of the Committee are as follows:
Rotating members of the Committee are as follows:
*Definitions of "program" are 1) the Undergraduate General Studies Curriculum; 2) a special field of concentration (major) at both undergraduate and graduate levels; and 3) non-credit/developmental courses. [ top ] Requesting a Substitution When Requesting a Substitution: The student must make a written request to:
The request must include:
Upon receipt of the student's written request, the Committee acts in one of the following ways:
Decisions by the Academic Accommodations Committee are considered final. Their execution shall be supervised by the Dean of the school in which the student requesting course or program modification is enrolled (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management, School of Communication, or School of Education and Human Services). If, however, the student does not agree with the Committee decision(s), he or she may appeal within five business days with additional documentation to the Executive Director of Student Affairs and the Committee on Faculty-Student Affairs (Committee Q for further review and recommendations. [ top ]
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