Types of Academic Accommodations
The Coordinator of Disability Support Services will provide assistance to insure access to classes, programs and activities, as necessary. Academic accommodations are determined on a case–by–case basis. Examples are:
Exam Modifications
Student Responsibility
Students who require exam modifications such as extended time, auxiliary aids, readers, scribes, proctors, interpreters or print enlargers should make arrangements for those modifications through the Office of Disability Support Services on both campuses. Notification should be made at least one week prior to the exam date so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Faculty Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the DSS office a minimum of 1 week prior to the exam.
It is the responsibility of the faculty member to ensure that the exam is sent to the DSS Office prior to the testing date.
Exams can be mailed, delivered in person, emailed or faxed to the DSS Office. If a faculty member is administering an exam, the following procedures should be kept in mind:
- The student should be given the accommodation(s) as stated in their accommodation letter. This may involve:
- Providing a space where the possibility of any disturbances are minimal.
- Repeating the question a number of times to allow the student to process the information. The test administrator, to ensure accuracy, should repeat the answer given by the student.
- If the test is multiple–choice and administered orally, the test administrator may be asked to read the question and pair it with every possible answer.
The Academic Integrity Policy will apply in all examination modifications.
Priority Registration
Students may participate in priority registration by contacting the Coordinator of the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus only. The Coordinator can help the student with the process in situations that are appropriate.
Auxiliary Aids
The DSS Coordinator will assist in securing auxiliary aids for use by students with disabilities when the aforementioned is determined as essential for the provision of an equal opportunity to participate in VCU's programs, services and activities. Auxiliary aids are services, equipment and procedures that allow students with disabilities access to learning and activities in and out of the classroom. They include but are not limited to: sign language interpreters, real time captioning, adaptive technology, alternative media (Braille, tapes, scanned text, enlarged print), exam accommodations, etc.
Interpreters
The DSS Coordinator will secure oral or sign language interpreters when requested by students who are deaf or hard of hearing. A reasonable amount of time, such as 4 weeks prior to the first day of instruction, is strongly recommended. The University cannot guarantee that these services will be available on the first day of classes for those students who do not request them at least 4 weeks prior to the first day.
Library Assistance
The James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus, and the Tompkins–McCaw Library on the MCV Campus offer accessible services to all students. The VCU Library staff will provide individualized orientations and assistance with library research and equipment. VCU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to call or make an appointment at the Cabell Library Research and Reference Desk, (804) 828–1101, or Tompkins–McCaw Library Service Desk, (804) 828–0636.
Specialized equipment for accessing Library resources is available. Large screen computer monitors with screen enlarging and synthesized voice software, print scanning and reading equipment, and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) machines for enlarging printed text, etc. For additional information please go to http://www.library.vcu.edu/services/disability.html
Textbooks
Upon request, the DSS Coordinator will order textbooks in alternate format from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic for students with visual impairments and/or students with disabilities who have difficulty reading printed materials.
The DSS Coordinator will contact other sources for textbooks and other course–related materials not available from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. Students are strongly encouraged to request textbook and other course materials at least four weeks prior to the first day of instruction.
Tutoring
Monroe Park Campus: Students with disabilities who request tutoring services should be directed to the Coordinator of Tutoring Services housed in the Campus Learning Center, 109 N. Harrison Street.
MCV Campus: The Coordinator assists in securing peer tutors. Identifying tutors is not always easy or possible, so please give ample time for the search. Students are urged to contact the Coordinator in the Office of Disability Support Services, 1000 E. Marshall Street, Suite 301.
Note Takers
Students have the following options:
- Locating note takers on their own before involving the instructors or requesting assistance from their instructors in locating a note taker.
- Students must present the instructor with a letter that requests his/her assistance in locating a peer note taker in the class.
- If students or instructors are unable to find a note taker in the class, the student and/or instructor should inform the appropriate DSS Office so that they can attempt to locate a note taker or make other arrangements.
- If overhead displays are used, students may request paper copies from instructors.
Academic Requirement Accommodations Course Substitutions
Graduate and Undergraduate Students with Disabilities – Monroe Park Campus
Course requirements for degrees granted by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are designed to provide a comprehensive education in both general education and in the student's major field of study. In awarding a degree, VCU recognizes the satisfactory completion of courses essential for the practice of the students' chosen profession or continued field of study and research. All admitted students are regarded as "otherwise qualified" to participate in any academic program with or without accommodations. Therefore, students with disabilities are not excused from degree requirements.
In certain limited instances where a student has a disability that is so profound that it precludes his/her ability to meet a course requirement, the student may petition for a course substitution. Course substitutions will only be granted in cases where failure to meet the graduation requirement(s) does not constitute a fundamental alteration in the nature of the university program or when the academic requirement(s) is not essential to the program of study or to meet licensing or certification requirements. Course substitution petitions are evaluated on a case–by–case basis.
Students with disabilities on the Monroe Park Campus, who wish to request a course substitution, will need to visit the DSS office for additional information. Students who are granted course substitutions will be required to replace the substituted course with one that teaches comparable skills and/or information. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to request course substitutions as early as possible prior to their graduation date.