Student rights and responsibilities for accommodations

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) mandates colleges and universities to provide "reasonable accommodation" to any enrolled student with a disability. The law protects the student's rights to have an equalized opportunity for learning and for participating in campus programs and activities. Students have the right to services and reasonable accommodations providing they meet the basic requirements to perform activities of the program.

Each student eligible for accommodations and/or services, under Section 504 and the ADA, has certain responsibilities to fulfill. In order to receive accommodations, it is the student's responsibility to disclose his/her disability to the university Office of Disability Support Services. It is the student's responsibility to seek funding for specialized support services through other resources, including applying for services and/or equipment from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Veteran's Administration (VA), Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB & D), Washington State Services for the Blind, etc.

The Disability Support Services coordinator will ask for documentation to verify the disability and will assist in providing services. It is the responsibility of the student to provide Saint Martin's University with medical or other diagnostic documentation that confirms his/her disability, functional limitations, and specific recommendations for accommodations and/or other services (see below).

Each student is expected to make timely and appropriate disclosures and requests (at least six weeks in advance of a course, workshop, program, or activity for which accommodation is requested) or as soon as realistically possible. The student will cooperate with staff and faculty in obtaining, and arranging for accommodations or auxiliary aids. Students need to consult with the Disability Support Services coordinator at the beginning of each semester about their class schedules, timelines, and process for securing agreed upon services. It is the student's responsibility to meet the attendance and academic requirements of each course and the standards of conduct set forth in the Student Handbook.

Information regarding a student's disability is confidential. Information will not be released to anyone without the express written permission of the student.

*The Disability Support Services coordinator will provide specific documentation requirements for these categories. Documentation must provide sufficient data to support the particular academic adjustments or accommodation(s) requested by the student.

Grievance policy: Students may resolve concerns relating to the provision of accommodations by immediately contacting Geoffrey Brown, Disability Support Services Coordinator. If necessary, the Dean of Student Services will review the documentation and discuss the situation with the student and the coordinator to resolve the issue. If a resolution cannot be reached the dean of Student Services will hold an informal hearing with all parties involved. Saint Martin's University is committed to settling disputes as quickly and informally as possible. Students may also contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, (206) 220-7900 (voice), (206) 202-7909 (TDD) or Washington State Human Rights Commission, (800) 233-3247 (voice), (800)300-7525 (TDD).