Requesting Accommodations
When academic requirements present barriers, accommodations may be necessary. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on course design. This is why it is necessary to request accommodations each semester.
Classroom accommodations
Academic accommodations for the classroom are identified and planned for through an interactive process that involves the student, the Ross Center Coordinator, and the course instructor. Any student who would like to make an accommodation request needs to provide this information to the Ross Center Coordinator:
- WISER schedule for the semester that specifies course information
- Syllabus from the course or description of the course requirements
- Completed Accommodation Request Form
The Coordinator will discuss with the student the impact of the disability related to meeting course requirements.
Once accommodations are identified, the Coordinator will develop a letter to the instructor that specifies the reasonable accommodations for the course (faculty letter).The Ross Center recommends that each student review the letter that specifies the accommodations with the instructor as early as possible in the semester.The Coordinators in the Ross Center are available to consult with students and instructors about modifications in course design to increase accessibility.
Online accommodations
For online courses, the procedures are the same as the procedures for classroom accommodations. The Coordinator may distribute a digital copy of the faculty letter to the student and the instructor if they are not available on the UMass Boston campus.
