Policies on Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may request accommodations to instruction based on their specific needs. Some examples of accommodations, depending on the disability, include student note-takers for classes; permission to tape-record lectures; extended time on exams; separate testing place; use of computer for exams; wheelchair access; use of the Kurzweil reading station in the MMC Library; or use of a laptop computer to take class notes. It is the responsibility of the student with a disability to self-identify by registering with the Office of Disability Services no later than the third week of classes. Students must submit supporting documentation for review to the Director of the Office of Disability Services, who makes the determination of the accommodation(s).

In certain exceptional cases, students may request a curricular adjustment to a requirement due to a learning disability. Such adjustments would involve the substitution of a different type of course for the requirement, and will not be granted if the adjustment would fundamentally alter the nature of the major, concentration, or minor. Requests for such adjustments should be made in writing, with documentation demonstrating the student’s disability in the specific area, to the Office of Disabilities Services. They will be considered by the Vice President for Academic Affairs who, should such requests be approved, will determine the course to be substituted.

Academic Policy for Students with Disabilities

A student registered with the Office of Disability Services who request an academic alteration (course substitution, course waiver, grade appeal, etc.) will go through an interactive individualized process. An accommodation must not fundamentally alter essential requirements, the essential learning goals and outcomes of a course, and/or the nature of a program. In the case of academic classes, the accommodation cannot be so significant that it alters or substantially modifies the essential nature or standards of the course as determined by Marymount Manhattan College. The student must be deemed as a qualified student to participate in such program or course. If the accommodation request is approved the student will work with the Office of Disability Services and Academic Affairs to make appropriate adjustments.

Policies on Class Accommodations and Alterations to Academic Programs for Students with Disabilities

Class Accommodations

Students registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) may request (and subsequently be approved for) specific accommodations to aid their work in one or more of their classes. These accommodations typically involve reasonable modifications to how students participate in their classes and how they complete their class work. They do not involve changes in the content of the course. Examples of standard accommodations include extended testing time, note-taking services, and assistive technology allocation. A less typical accommodation may be permission to take a specific class for a Pass/Fail grade or other grading considerations. In any case in which an accommodation requires waiving an academic policy that is published in the Academic Catalog, final approval rests with the VPAA/Dean.

Academic Program Alterations

Students registered with ODS may also request alterations to their academic programs based on a documented learning disability that warrants such an alteration. An academic alteration takes the form of a reasonable adjustment to a student’s academic program (major, concentration, minor, general education requirement) to allow for a more accessible and inclusive educational experience. Examples of such alterations include waiving a specific requirement and/or substituting it with a different course. Such an alteration must not fundamentally alter the program’s essential requirements and/or the nature of the program or its core learning goals and outcomes. In order for an alternative course to be approved, the student must be qualified for that course and meet its prerequisites. If the alteration request is approved, ODS follows the process below to identify appropriate alterations to the student’s academic program. Final approval of any alternation(s) to a student’s academic program rests with the VPAA/Dean.

Process for Requesting Accommodation in One or More Classes

For students who are requesting accommodation in one or more of their semester classes due to a documented learning disability, the process for approval is as follows:

The student registers with ODS, submitting required documentation and specific accommodation request(s). Students already registered with ODS may also submit a supplemental request.
The student meets with ODS to review the request.

ODS determines what accommodations can be provided and prepares the Accommodation Letter, which is sent to the student’s professors and filed on the ODS portal, Accommodate.
Typically, requests for accommodation in one or more classes must be submitted to ODS no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which the accommodation is being requested. Typically, faculty are notified of any approved accommodations no later than one week prior to the start of the semester.
When a request is made for an accommodation other than those that are typically provided (i.e., extended testing time, note-taking services, and assistive technology allocation), ODS discusses it with the department chair(s), professor(s), and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs prior to approving it.
When the accommodation includes any modification to the class’s grading, it must be approved by the VPAA/Dean and the professor must be notified as early in the semester as possible. When a request to take a class for a Pass/Fail grade is approved, the student must complete the Pass/Fail Option Request and submit it no later than the end of the Program Change period.

Process for Requesting Alterations to an Academic Program

For students who are requesting alterations to their academic programs due to a documented learning disability, the process for approval is as follows:

The student registers with ODS, submitting required documentation and specific alteration request(s). Students already registered with ODS may also submit a supplemental request.
The student meets with ODS to review the request.
ODS consults with the academic department chair(s) and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to identify possible alterations.
Proposed alterations must not fundamentally alter the program’s essential requirements and/or the nature of the program or its essential learning goals and outcomes.
Final approval of any alternation to a student’s academic program rests with the VPAA/Dean.

Once approved, ODS notifies the student and faculty advisor that the alteration has been approved and prepares an Accommodation Letter, which is filed on the ODS portal, Accommodate.

Disability Services Contact Info:

disabilityservices@mmm.edu

Tel. 212-774-0719