Appeal Process
What can I do if SAS does not approve my request?
There may be times when an accommodation request is not supported. Accommodations may not be supported if there is not evidence of a barrier to equal access based on the student’s disability. This may be the case if a student’s disability is not the cause of the barrier (such as cases where the situation is the result of other factors) or if the situation is not a barrier to equal access to a program or activity. It is important to remember that accommodations do not guarantee a specific outcome or set of circumstances and that equal access may be different than having the same chance of success as non-disabled students. While SAS may not be able to provide exact accommodations as requested, SAS will always review each request thoroughly and will consult with necessary experts as needed.
Fundamental Alteration Review
In a situation where a faculty member believes that an accommodation would alter the essential nature of an assessment, course, or program, they should contact SAS as soon as possible after receiving a course accommodation letter. SAS will initiate the fundamental review process, which involves consulting with the student, relevant faculty, and academic administrators to discuss the accommodation's impact on the course's learning outcomes. Students will be notified in writing of a fundamental alteration determination. If an accommodation is determined to be a fundamental alteration, students may discuss alternative accommodations if appropriate.
Appeal Process
In cases where SAS does not support an accommodation request, SAS will notify the student via email about the decision and let the student know if additional documentation could be helpful. Students should work with their providers to gather the requested information as quickly as possible. If, after providing all requested documentation, an accommodation request is not supported, students may file an appeal using the within ten working days of receiving the determination.
The form should be completed thoroughly by the student. When submitted, the form will be reviewed by an appeal review committee, which consists of the Associate Director (or Assistant Director for regional campus appeals), the Director, and the Assistant Vice President for Equity, Identity, and Success. The committee may also consult with subject-area experts as needed. Students can expect to receive the final determination as a written response to their С»ÆƬÊÓƵ email within ten working days of submitting the appeal and any requested information. Students who submit documentation that describes new disability symptoms or diagnoses during the appeal process will be referred to their Access Advisor.
If a student believes they have been denied equal access either in the form of eligibility, appropriate and reasonable accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids as defined in the University’s nondiscrimination policies, the student may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. EOAA does not grant or administer student accommodations but may investigate and make a determination whether Policy 5-16.1 has been violated.