Academic Accommodations
After a student has been approved for academic accommodations by the Office of Learning & Disability Services (please refer to Getting Started for a description of the process at King University) there are two parts to the accommodation process that must be repeated each semester:
- Request Accommodation Notifications be sent to instructors
- Discuss accommodations with instructors
Failure to follow through on either step of the process may delay or prevent students from receiving their accommodations.
Requesting Accommodation Notification
Each semester students receiving academic accommodations must provide the Office of Learning & Disability Services the names of the faculty members and/or other staff they would like to receive a copy of their official Accommodation Notification. This notification is not automatic. The Office of Learning & Disability Services will notify the faculty and/or staff identified by the student of the approved accommodations electronically. Faculty must be in receipt of this notification before they are permitted and/or required to provide approved accommodations.
To request an Accommodation Notification be sent, students should complete the:
You will need a copy of your class schedule to complete this form.
Discuss Accommodations with Instructors
After students and instructors receive the Accommodation Notification students should then follow up with their instructors (in person or via email) to discuss the accommodations that will be necessary in each class. Even though instructors receive a notification that lists and describes the accommodations that have been approved, students still need to discuss the logistics of how each accommodation will be provided with their instructor. It is highly recommended for this conversation to take place early in the semester.
Tips for Discussing Your Accommodation Notification with your Instructors (Adapted from the University of Texas at Austin)
Instructors play an important role in the accommodation process, which starts when they receive a notification that lists and describes the accommodations that have been approved for a student. Providing accommodations is part of their job, just like teaching class and grading assignments. Most instructors are committed to supporting students in being successful in their courses, so they want to discuss accommodations early in the semester. Discussing your accommodations allows instructors to understand how to make their course accessible for you and helps you understand how each accommodation will be provided within each specific course.
After students and instructors receive the Accommodation Notification, students should then follow up with their instructors (in person or via email) to discuss the accommodations that will be necessary for each class.
Before contacting your instructors about your accommodations, here are some things to consider:
Be sure to read through what the syllabus says about accommodations, assignments, attendance, exams, etc. Based on this information, you may realize that some accommodations are not necessary or applicable to the course.
Accommodations are not individualized for each class so you need to decide which accommodations you will need to use. For example, if the instructor posts slides for the entire class, you may not need to use the accommodation of “Access to Lecture Notes/Materials.” If your class is online, the accommodations you need may also be different.
In some cases, accommodations can be discussed/coordinated via email. However, some accommodations, such as flexibility with attendance or deadlines, may require more of a real-time conversation, either in person or via Teams or phone. You can let the instructor know your preference but understand they may also have a preference for how they communicate with you to discuss accommodations. The important thing, regardless of the method of communication, is that you proactively communicate with your instructor about your accommodations and how they will be provided.
You have a right to use your accommodations. If you do not receive a response from your instructor within five business days (one week) or if you are having difficulty communicating with your instructor or using your accommodations, contact the Office of Learning & Disability Services. We can help you follow up to make sure you get your accommodations.
Housing Accommodations
After a student has been approved for housing accommodations by the Office of Learning & Disability Services (please refer to Getting Started for a description of the process at King University) the Office of Residence Life will contact the student and work with them to implement the approved accommodations. The Office of Learning & Disability Services is available to assist in this process, as appropriate.