Academic and Other Student Accommodations

LEARNING CONTENT

Students are asked to self-disclose any disability (chronic medical or psychological condition, learning disability, ADHD, an autism spectrum disorder, or a mobility, vision, or hearing disability, etc.) to the Study Abroad Office as early as possible after admission to their program. This information is collected in the in study abroad application software in conjunction with the Health Acknowledgment Form and will be given to the Faculty Leader once submitted by the student.   

Sometimes students are reluctant to disclose information formally to our office or may feel more comfortable self- reporting to you, their faculty. If a student approaches you to discuss special needs or particular accommodations related to their study abroad experience, please notify the Director of Study Abroad so you can work together to address their needs. Our office does not meet with most faculty-led program applicants in person so if you have any concerns or questions pertaining to a participant, please let us know.   

To request accommodations for study abroad, students must obtain a Confidential Memorandum from AES (Accessible Education Services) in the Shepard Academic Resource Center (SARC) and submit a copy to the Study Abroad Office. Appropriate arrangements will be made to the extent possible including, but not limited to, housing, transportation, field trips, excursions, cultural activities, and classroom or test accommodations. If a student does not provide an AES Confidential Memorandum, accommodation cannot be provided based on a disability.   

Arrangements for most academic accommodations (note taking services, recording devices, smart pens, extended testing time, etc.) are typically made by the Faculty Leader just as if you were teaching a course on campus. If exceptional circumstances unique to the study abroad program make providing these accommodations difficult, please let us know so we can consult the SARC regarding possible alternate arrangements. Accommodations pertaining to non-academic components of the program (housing, transportation, additional on-site support) will be assessed and organized by the Study Abroad Office in consultation with AES, the student, the Faculty Leader, and the on-site provider (if applicable).   

Do not forget! Information related to a student's disability is confidential and protected under FERPA. The student should be afforded the opportunity to meet with you and/or the Study Abroad Office privately to discuss disability-related matters.