Students with disabilities are an integral part of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and are reflective of the rich diversity of our community. To ensure students with disabilities receive equal access in the academic environment, Student Access facilitates the determination of reasonable classroom accommodations through an interactive and individualized process.

Classroom Accommodations

Accommodations are determined through the interactive process with the goal of removing barriers to the learning environment. A conclusive list of accommodation availability does not exist; however, Student Access invites the discussion of accommodation needs with a student at any point in their academic tenure. Based on the environment, the impact of a disability will vary and, as such, accommodation determination will differ from person-to-person.

Steps for classroom accommodation determination

1. 1. Contact the Director of Academic Support (melanie.baffes@garrett.edu) to explore available resources
   2. Submit an Accommodation Exploration Packet to Student Access (student.access@garrett.edu)
   3. Complete an Access Meeting with a Student Access staff member

The Accommodation Exploration Packet (AEP) includes a request for medical documentation from a licensed medical provider. Many students choose to complete the AEP by submitting medical documentation. You do not need to have medical documentation to explore the accommodation process in an Access Meeting. Please submit the AEP and complete an Access Meeting even if you do not have medical documentation. Documentation may or may not be necessary to put accommodations in place as each student request is determined on a case-by-case basis. The conversation in the Access Meeting will assist in determining what information will be needed to put accommodations in place.

The accommodation determination process is confidential under FERPA. Information pertaining to disability and accommodations is not included in a student’s transcript.

Disability

Rights for individuals with disabilities are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law in 1990 and amended in 2008, the ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in public and private places that are open to the public. The ADA defines disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. In the higher education context, the ADA ensures that students with disabilities have equal access in programs, services, and classes at the institution, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Grievance Procedure

If you have concerns regarding process, procedures, or accommodation determination in Student Access, please contact your Access Coordinator to discuss them. Most concerns can be handled at this level. If you feel that your concern will persist, please contact the Dean of Student Life to file a grievance or begin an accommodation appeal procedure (i.e. karen.mosby@garrett.edu).

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. For harassment and discrimination complaints on the basis of disability, please contact the Academic Dean for resolution options.

Rights and Responsibilities

Student

• • Request/identify accommodation need and potential effective accommodations from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • Provide information that supports accommodation eligibility and requests
  • Identify disabling barriers experienced in the classroom
  • Follow-up in a timely way with Student Access if issues or additional barriers arise

Student Access

• • Familiarize itself with the student and their disability
  • Explore potential accommodations
  • Determine accommodations on behalf of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • Collaborate with faculty when fundamental alteration concerns arise—make final determination on fundamental alteration inquiry.
  • Maintain confidentiality of student accommodations

Faculty

• • Implement approved accommodations on behalf of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • If concerns arise about the application of an accommodation in a class, collaborate with Student Access directly to problem-solve concerns
  • If there is a concern that implementation of an accommodation will fundamentally alter an essential course element, work with Student Access directly, to provide information about course design and suggest potential adjustments and alternative ways to remove the disability barrier the student is experiencing
  • Apply the same grading criteria to students with disabilities as those without (e.g., a student’s accommodation shouldn’t be “taken into consideration” when grading)
  • Maintain confidentiality of student accommodations