Rights and Responsibilities
Faculty, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with disabilities, and ODE have rights and responsibilities related to reasonable accommodations under the , , and the . Collaborative efforts among these three parties will ensure equal access.
Faculty is responsible for creating and maintaining an accessible learning environment, while at the same time maintaining academic standards. Faculty expects that Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ initiate accommodation requests so that faculty can ensure equal access by providing reasonable accommodations. Faculty also refers Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to ODE when necessary and refrains from retaliation against individuals advocating for accessibility.
Students have the right to equal opportunities for education and participation in University activities. Students must meet or exceed the essential requirements of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with or without accommodations. Students initiate the request for accommodations and/or services in a timely manner, communicate with faculty regarding accommodations, and work with ODE as needed.
ODE determines the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' eligibility, coordinates, and provides reasonable accommodations. We respond in a timely manner to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who request accommodations and services. We emphasize collaborative partnerships with faculty and other campus community members to ensure that the UM programs are accessible and usable by Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with disabilities.
When Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ connect with us
When Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ register with ODE, they are assigned to an access consultant. The consultant provides an accommodation (verification) letter to the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are responsible for contacting the instructor with the letter and requesting accommodations for their courses.
When accommodations are not provided
Accommodations are not provided if they meet one of the following categories:
- Fundamental alteration
- Retroactive Request
- Personal Service
- Undue Hardship
- Administrative Burden
Student's Confidentiality and Faculty's Right
We treat all Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' disability-related documentation with strict confidentiality. We do not reveal the diagnosis of the student. However, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ cannot be anonymous when requesting accommodations.
Faculty members have the right to know the following:
- The student has a disability verified by ODE
- How the disability or condition limits the student
- Recommended reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments for the student
There must be a logical link between the functional limitations and the recommended accommodations or adjustments.
No documents will be released to any internal or external individual, department, or agency without the written permission of the student or the student's guardian.
To protect Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' privacy, instructors should not identify Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with disabilities unnecessarily to their peers or other colleagues without the student's consent. For example, announcing at the beginning of an exam that all disabled Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should come to the front of the class would violate the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥' right to confidentiality.
Due Process for Students
If an instructor does not provide an accommodation that is reasonable and legitimate, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ have a right to grievance procedures, both formal and informal. ODE intervenes the least between the student and the instructor.
If the issue can't be resolved despite ODE's intervention, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ can file a formal, internal complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. The EO/Title IX office will attempt to determine if discrimination based on disability has occurred and recommend a resolution.
Students also have the right to file formal complaints with the or the . This process takes longer before the situation is resolved, but carries a greater impact on the University as a whole in the event of adverse findings.