Student Success

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
The University of Saint Mary complies with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against any applicant or enrolled student based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual preference, age, disability, or other protected status. The University of Saint Mary firmly believes all students have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment. This is in harmony with the University's mission and in compliance with the ADA Amendments Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities or has a record of such an impairment.

How to Submit a Request

1. To begin the process, any USM student seeking accommodation(s) must self-identify by contacting the ADA Coordinator through accommodations@stmary.edu.

2. After the request for accommodations is received, the ADA Coordinator will contact the student to review the documentation process. The primary purpose of the documentation is to establish a disability to help the university in conjunction with the student to identify appropriate services.

3. After all requested documentation has been submitted, the request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not all accommodation requests will be granted because the University is not required to accommodate students if granting the accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or cause an undue hardship. The University may also request additional documentation to help with its evaluation. Once a request has been made, the University will work through the process and determine a reasonable amount of time.

4. After it is determined that an accommodation is reasonable, the student and the ADA Coordinator create a detailed action plan specifying the ADA classroom accommodations provided. The student's instructors are notified of a student's accommodations and are obligated to assist in their implementation. Accommodations, once granted, do not apply retroactively; this means they cannot be used to retake an exam or redo an assignment.

5. Students who have not been granted requested accommodations receive a letter with an explanation. A student who has been denied accommodations may appeal the determination by sending a written letter of appeal to the President of the University. Students who do not formally request accommodations will not receive them.

All documentation is confidential, and only the student and University personnel with a need-to-know will have access to such information.