91ÖÆƬ³§

To the extent possible, the 91ÖÆƬ³§. Thomas makes reasonable effort to provide qualified students with disabilities equal access to all the courses, services, programs, job activities and facilities available through the university. Students have the following rights:

• Appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations provided in a timely manner, determined on an individual, as-needed basis.
• Confidentiality of records and communication except where disclosure is necessary to arrange accommodations, required by law, or authorized by the student.
• Evaluation of academic achievement based on ability, not disability.
• The right to appeal a decision concerning academic accommodations according to the university's grievance policy (Appeals Process).

Every qualified student with a documented disability has the responsibility to:

• Meet and uphold the university's qualifications and institutional standards.
• Contact Disability Resources in order to arrange for appropriate academic accommodations in a timely manner. Students who need accommodations that take an extensive amount of time to prepare, such as alternate format texts, sign language interpreters, or captioning are urged to contact Disability Resources immediately following their assigned registration date during the early registration period for the upcoming semester. Late requests may result in the delay or denial of accommodations. The staff will make reasonable effort to accommodate late requests. Students must make an appointment either in person or over the telephone with a Disability Resources staff member in order to arrange accommodations.
• Follow specific procedural guidelines set forth by Disability Resources for obtaining and arranging reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations, (e.g. scheduling exams, requesting assistance, arranging accommodations with professors, etc).

The 91ÖÆƬ³§. Thomas has the right to:

• Request current and appropriate documentation from a qualified professional to verify the need for reasonable academic accommodations.
• Consult with students in making the final determination regarding the selection of effective, appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations. The university reserves the right to make the final decision regarding which accommodations will be provided.
• Deny a request for accommodations if the documentation does not identify a valid disability, fail to verify the need for the requested accommodations, or if the documentation or request for accommodations are not provided in a timely manner.
• The University may also refuse to provide any accommodation that is inappropriate or unreasonable, including any that:
  • Pose a threat to the health and safety of others
  • Constitute a substantial change or alternation to an essential requirement of a course or program
  • Pose undue financial or administrative burden on the university

The 91ÖÆƬ³§. Thomas has the responsibility to:

• Maintain and uphold the academic standards and requirements set forth by the university.
• Provide information regarding university policies and procedures to students with disabilities and assure availability in accessible formats upon request.
• Evaluate students' academic achievement based on their abilities, not their disabilities.
• Provide reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations for students with disabilities in a timely manner.
• Maintain and uphold confidentiality of records and communication concerning students with disabilities except where disclosure is necessary for the accommodations, required by law, or authorized by the student.
• Provide accommodations free of charge.

Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting the Disability Resources office if they feel reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely manner. The staff of the Disability Resources office works with students to resolve disagreements regarding recommended accommodations. If students disagree with an accommodation decision made by a Disability Resources staff person, the student is encouraged to try to resolve their concern with the staff person. If there is no resolution, the student may meet with the Director of Disability Resources. If the student wishes to appeal the Director’s decision, the student should raise the concern with the Dean of Students within thirty (30) days. If the student and the Dean of Students are not able to resolve the concern, the student has five (5) days after the Dean of Student’s decision to file a written grievance. The written grievance shall be delivered to the Dean of Student’s office, which will refer the grievance to the chair of the University’s grievance and discipline committee.  For more information, see the Student Bill of Rights.