When are requests for accommodations denied?
The University provides accommodations unless they fall under one of the following three categories:
If an accommodation reduces the academic standards of the University, its schools, departments, or courses, the University denies the accommodation because it is unreasonable. Academic standards are essential for every student. It is unreasonable to alter these fundamental standards with an accommodation.
If an accommodation costs too much or is impossible to administer, the University denies the accommodation because it is unreasonable. An unjustifiable financial burden will have an adverse effect on the entire University system. Therefore, decisions regarding undue financial hardship can only be made by the president of the University. An undue administrative burden occurs when the University doesn't have the time or ability to respond to a request.
If a request for an accommodation falls under the definition of a personal service, the University denies the request because it is unreasonable. Personal services are those that a person with a disability must use regardless of attendance at the University. In addition, personal services are those for which no correlation between the disability's functional limitation and program access can be established. The University, for instance, does not purchase wheelchairs or other assistive technologies used in every setting to compensate for a mobility impairment. Other examples of personal services include:
The University will honor student accommodation choice whenever feasible, but periodically may need to provide equally effective alternatives to that choice.
Students make requests for accommodations primarily through their Disability Services coordinator. However, it isn't necessary to apply for accommodations exclusively through Disability Services. Any employee or unit of the University makes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. The University requires verification of disability and functional limitation prior to the provision of reasonable accommodations.
