Student Accommodation Appeal Procedure

The student should first discuss the problem with the Director of the ARA Office, Dr. Shawn Wilson, swilson@svsu.edu. 

If the situation cannot be resolved informally or if the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, an appeal may be filed, in writing, to the ADA Coordinator. The appeal may be brief but must be specific in identifying the problematic situation, the parties involved and possible solutions.

ADA Coordinator

Corrie piotrowski

(989) 964-2253

A review of the situation will typically commence within three working days. The ADA Coordinator or designee will appoint an investigator(s) to review the complaint.

A full report will be filed by the investigator(s) with the ADA Coordinator.

The ADA Coordinator will render a decision within three working days of receipt of the report and notify the student in writing.

At any time students may contact the Office of Civil Rights to seek assistance.

Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
600 Superior Avenue, East
Bank One Center, Suite 750
Cleveland, Ohio 44111-2611
(216) 522-4970
FAX: (216) 522-2573

If a complaint is brought by a student regarding the denial of an accommodation for an ongoing class, then the decision of the ARA to provide or deny said accommodation shall be implemented until such time as a formal resolution is achieved.

Faculty issues with decisions regarding accommodation of students with disabilities should be referred to the Director of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations.

1. If a faculty member determines that they must deny the accommodation or alter an accommodation from what is outlined in the accommodation letter based on fundamental programming concerns, timing of the notification of disability, or financial necessity, they must inform the student, the relevant department chair, and the relevant college dean in writing. The relevant department chair or relevant dean are those under whom the course is being offered, not necessarily the home department of the faculty member. 
2. The determination to deny or alter an accommodation may trigger a Consultation. The student, the assigned faculty member (teaching the course in question), the department chair, the college dean, the provost, or an ARA staff member may call for the Consultation. 
3. The Consultation will be made with a group of individuals (referred to for purposes of this agreement as “the Group”), which shall include ARA staff; the pertinent staff or faculty, who are trained, experienced, and/or knowledgeable about the course or program in question (the assigned faculty member may not be excluded from the consultation unless they opt out of taking part); and may include academic administrators such as a department chair or program coordinator, when appropriate. 
4. The thoughtful Group deliberation will include a review of the specific student’s requests and needs, program/course requirements and available options and alternatives, the University makes an academic determination that granting the requested accommodation would lower essential academic standards, fundamentally or substantially modify the course or academic program in question, constitute the provision of personal services, pose an undue burden for the University, or is otherwise not required by Section 504 or Title II.
5. The student will be notified of the Group’s decision by the ARA or their assigned professor in a timely manner. The student will be provided an opportunity to discuss the Group’s decision with their assigned professor. If they have any further questions, they may ask the Group to reconvene and discuss the decision with them at length.