Policies and Procedures

Policy on accomodations for students with disabilities

University of La Verne is committed to full compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). As outlined in the 1996 University Strategic Plan, the Office of Academic Programs and Services (OAPSSD) has adopted a policy that assures every student with a disability access to appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids. This ensures full participation in the University's educational programs and student activities. All University faculty, administration, and staff are to be provided with current information on laws and policies which may affect their service or instruction to students with disabilities. With appropriate education, it will become the specific responsibility of all University employees to comply with this policy.

The general definition of a student with a disability is any person who has a "physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities," and any person who has "a history of, or is regarded as having, such an impairment" (Rehabilitation Act, Section 504). Accommodations which might be provided are: reasonable academic adjustments and physical accommodations; special testing procedures; advance notice regarding book lists for the visually impaired and some learning disabled students; use of academic aides in the classroom such as note takers, sign language interpreters, and recording devices; early advisement and assistance with registration; accessibility for students who use wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments; and special classroom furniture or special equipment in the classroom.

Procedures for on-campus undergraduate students

If an on-campus undergraduate student self-identifies or is referred to the Health Center for a documented or suspected disability, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The student is interviewed by the Director of the Health Center and is given an Information and Accommodations Packet. The Director reviews the information in the packet, and informs the students of the time lines outlined.
2. The student is asked to provide original documentation of disability from a medical doctor or psychological health provider on the Physician/ Psychologist/ Disability Specialist Documentation of Disability Form. The student is asked to turn in the completed Accommodations Packet to the Director, which includes the following: Student Information Sheet, Request to Receive Accommodations Form, Physician/ Psychologist/ Disability Specialist Documentation of Disability Form, Authorization and Release Form and Release of Information Authorization Form. When the Accommodations Packet is received by the Director of the Health Center, it is reviewed within one week. If the packet is complete, it is placed on the agenda for the next Accommodations Review Team Meeting. If the packet is incomplete, the Director of the Health Center will notify the student in writing within one week of the forms that are needed to complete the packet.
3. The Accommodations Review Team consists of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Chair of the Special Education Department, the Director of Health Services, the Director of the Counseling Center and Director of the Learning Enhancement Center. This team meets four times per year to review and make decisions on Accommodations Requests that have been received during the previous quarter. Every effort is made to ensure that students make their requests in sufficient time to be accommodated, but if a need arises, the team will meet to make timely decisions as necessary.
4. Once the Accommodations Review Team has made specific recommendations regarding a student's request for accommodation, the student will be notified within one week. At this time, a student may request that the Director of the Health Center send an Accommodations Form to an instructor informing him or her of the accommodations needed in the specific course. Examination Instruction Forms are sent with the Accommodations Form if appropriate.

Procedures for:

1. On-campus graduate students,
2. School of Continuing Education students
3. and College of Law students

On-campus graduate student or off-campus SCE student contacts OAPSSD for documented or suspected physical or learning disability.

• Student is referred to the appropriate Director of Student Services or Dean for procedures and requirements for specific program or school:

Regional Campus Administration:	Dr Steve Lesniak,  Dean
College of Law:	Allen Easley, Esq., Dean
College of Business & Public Management:	Dr. Ibrahim Helou, Dean
College of Education & Organizational Leadership:	Dr. Mark Goor, Dean
College of Arts & Sciences:	Dr. Jonathan Reed, Interim Dean

• Student is advised that Director of the Health Center is available for consultation with the student if necessary.

On-campus graduate faculty or off-campus faculty, staff or administrator contacts OAPSSD with questions regarding nature of a disability, appropriate accommodations, or other related questions.

• Director of the Health Center requests any written documentation be provided.
• Director reviews all information provided and either responds with informal opinion, takes the information to the Accommodations Review Team or seeks professional guidance from a qualified consultant.
• Director informs the appropriate Director or Dean and the faculty, staff or administrator requesting assistance of the recommendations.