Instructors are responsible for facilitating academic accommodations so that students with disabilities can engage with course material and equitably demonstrate knowledge. Please see the Accessible Education Center (AEC) Accommodations Policy from the Office of the Provost for more information.
Syllabus Statement
The following statement should be included on your syllabus:
- University Policies and Course Accommodations: Please read and make sure you are familiar with the important policies that apply to all UO courses, which can be found at University Course Policies: a Guide for Students. The University is committed to providing equal opportunities to all students in a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. Students with disabilities may request accommodations by contacting the Accessible Education Center (AEC) at uoaec@uoregon.edu or 541-346-1155. Students in need of accommodations due to pregnancy, military leave, and religious observances should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at eoa@uoregon.edu or 541-326-3123.
Reasonable Accommodations
A range of accommodations may be appropriate for specific student situations. A reasonable accommodation should not result in the lowering of academic standards or an alteration of the fundamental nature of a course or program. While instructors and academic departments play a key role in understanding and articulating the essential requirements of courses and programs, it is never appropriate to deny a requested accommodation without documented consultation with AEC. A denial should only be made after careful consideration by qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about disability and specific legal implications. If you have concerns regarding the appropriateness of an accommodation, make sure to consult with AEC.
Notification Letters
Notification letters emailed from the AEC outline the accommodations instructors are legally required to provide for a specific student. These letters do not disclose the nature of the student’s disability. Instructors must read each letter carefully, as some accommodations may require immediate action. Many accommodations may not require a discussion between instructors and students; however, if there are logistical considerations, students and instructors should discuss how the approved accommodations will be implemented in each class.
Students initiate notification letters through the AEC’s online portal, AEC Connect, and they are emailed to the instructor of record from the AEC. Instructors can also view all their students’ notification letters in AEC Connect. While letters can be sent at any time during the term, we recognize that receiving notification letters late in the term can present logistical challenges. We encourage instructors to reach out to AEC with any concerns or questions. Accommodations are not retroactive, so they would be active from the moment the letter is sent onward.
If you have questions or concerns about the appropriateness of an accommodation in your course, reach out to the AEC immediately.
If a student requests an accommodation based on disability, or mentions that they experience a disability, but does not provide you with a notification letter, refer them to the AEC. Instructors should not support informal accommodations for disability that are not approved by AEC.
Confidentiality
Any information related to a student’s connection to AEC and the information in their notification letters is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and must remain confidential. It’s important to be aware that students’ disability status and accommodations are not noted anywhere within their academic record.
All conversations regarding accommodations should take place in a private setting, such as during office hours or via email. While some students may choose to speak with you before or after class, always follow their lead and never initiate conversations about accommodations or disability status in public. Maintain confidentiality between students with AEC accommodations. For example, when emailing multiple students about accommodations, use bcc to protect their privacy.
You should not ask students about the nature of their disability. However, you are encouraged to discuss how accommodations will be facilitated and explore ways to best support their access to your course.
Information regarding students’ accommodations should only be shared with individuals who have an educational need-to-know, such as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Employee who is proctoring exams for your class.
Involving Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Graduate Employees (GEs) in Accommodation Implementation
If faculty involve TAs or GEs in accommodation implementation:
- Make sure they complete FERPA training.
- TA/GE PDs should include supporting with accommodations and instructors being specific about such.
- If you have questions about whether you should assign accommodation implementation to TAs or GEs, please contact AEC Senior Director, Norma Kehdi.
Further Information
View our online module, Supporting Access and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities, for more information.
Additional resources related to the guidance herein include TEP’s Accessibility and Universal Design in Inclusive Teaching and Accommodations: Illustrations of AEC Guidance.