Accommodation Procedures for Faculty

Butler University is committed to treating all individuals within the university, including those with disabilities, in a fair and equitable manner.

Furthermore, it is the policy and practice of the university to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Under these laws, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities at Butler University.

The provision of academic accommodations is a responsibility that needs to be shared by all members of the University community, including faculty.  This is necessary because the delivery of classroom accommodations typically requires the active participation of the professor.  However, decisions regarding approval of student accommodations should be facilitated through Student Disability Services.  This allows for standardization of accommodations and helps to ensure that the University and its constituents remain in compliance with the applicable federal mandates.

A student establishes eligibility for services by submitting written documentation from an appropriate professional to the Office of Student Disability Services.  Reasonable accommodations are determined by the diagnostic data and recommendations contained within the documentation.

Outlined below are student and faculty rights and responsibilities with regard to the delivery of accommodations:

1. If a student with a disability feels that he/she may wish to request accommodations, he/she must give written permission for Student Disability Services to inform instructors that the individual is a student with a properly documented disability.  The instructor will then receive written notification from Student Disability Services.  Generally, due to laws of confidentiality, specific information about the disability should not be shared.  Instead, the letter notifies the instructor that the student has a disability that must be accommodated.  The accommodations that the student is eligible to receive are also delineated in the letter.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to request approved accommodations from individual professors.  Ideally, the student should give the professor ONE week advance notice.  In most cases, the professor is able to make arrangements for the accommodations; Student Disability Services (SDS) is always available to provide assistance as needed.  In the case of accommodated exams/quizzes, it is often preferable for students to take exams in close proximity to professors in the event there is a question.  However, if a professor is unable to deliver an accommodated exam/quiz, Student Disability Services (SDS) is available to do so.  All exams/quizzes administered by SDS will be delivered according to prearranged instructions as noted by professors on the Accommodation Request Form.  Professors should also be aware that students are eligible to receive accommodations for in-class pop quizzes.  Professors should contact Student Disability Services to discuss specific circumstances as they relate to pop quizzes so that an accommodation plan can be developed.
3. There may be situations in which a professor feels that an accommodation represents a fundamental alteration of a course.  The professor should not deny the student’s request for the accommodation if it has been properly verified through Student Disability Services.  Instead, a professor should contact the Director of Student Disability Services to discuss concerns about the accommodation as it relates to the specific course.  In cases of dispute, an accommodation should be delivered until a resolution has been reached.
4. On occasion, an instructor receives a letter of notification from Student Disability Services, but the student does not follow up by requesting the accommodation.  The professor does not have to contact the student in an attempt to deliver the accommodation.  In fact, with respect to a student’s right to privacy, it is advisable to allow the student to initiate the contact.  The professor is not responsible if the student does not request the accommodation from the professor.
5. If a student requests an accommodation but notification has not been received from Student Disability Services, please refer the student to Michele Atterson, JH 136, ext. 9308.  A professor is not required to make accommodations before a disability has been properly verified, but the professor does have a responsibility to refer the student to Student Disability Services.  It may be in the professor’s best interest to document the referral.
6. Discussing accommodations with professors is an important step toward self advocacy but is usually an intimidating experience for most students.  A positive and respectful response from a professor can make a tremendous difference in the life of a student with a disability.
7. If you need assistance with an accommodation or if you have questions or concerns about Student Disability Services, please contact Michele Atterson, Director of Student Disability Services, in JH 136, ext. 9308.

In addition, it is recommended that the following statement be included on all course syllabi:

It is the policy and practice of Butler University to make reasonable accommodations for students with properly documented disabilities.  Written notification from Student Disability Services is required.  If you are eligible to receive an accommodation and would like to request it for this course, please discuss it with me and allow one week advance notice.  Otherwise, it is not guaranteed that the accommodation can be received on a timely basis.  If you have questions about Student Disability Services, you may wish to contact Michele Atterson, JH 136, ext. 9308.

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