Referring a Student for Accommodations

• If a Student Discloses a Disability

  Any individual who directly discloses that they have a disability and requests accommodations should be referred in writing to the Dean of Students. Even if the initial conversation with the individual is in person, it should be followed up with an email sent to the individual providing them with the contact information for the Dean of Students. A sample referral email template is available below.

• If a Student Does Not Directly Disclose a Disability

  Individuals may struggle academically for a number of reasons and can therefore benefit from the services offered. If an individual who has not disclosed a disability appears to be struggling and you feel they may benefit from services offered, we suggest that you provide the individual with information about the variety of resources available at NWIC.

  • For students, this may include the Dean of Students, Disability Accommodations, Counseling Services, Tutoring, Drexel Central, the Math & Writing Center, etc.

  Providing these resources allows the individual to seek services on their own to maintain their privacy. A sample general resources email template is available below.

  Please note that it is not appropriate to ask an individual whether or not they have a disability.

• Basic Referral Email Template

  Dear Student,

  During our conversation today I encouraged you to contact the Dean of Students regarding Disability Accommodations. I want to ensure that you have the contact information, please find it below:

  Accommodations for Students with Disabilities website
  Email: vretasket@nwic.edu
  Phone: (360) 392-4255

  Sincerely,

• General Resources Email Template

  Dear Student,

  As we discussed today, NWIC offers many different free resources for students. I wanted to make sure you were aware of these resources and had their contact information. I encourage you to make use of any of these resources you feel could be helpful (this is not an exhaustive list):

  • Center for Student Success
  • Accommodations for Students
  • Wellness
  • Math & Writing Center
  • Student Life

  Sincerely,

• Extended Time on Assignments

  This accommodation is recommended when:

  1. An assignment was not listed on the syllabus initially and is given to students one week or less to complete
  2. The assignment deadline is listed on the syllabus but the student did not get the necessary information to complete it until there is one week or less to the deadline
  3. An unexpected medical or physical episode interferes with the student’s ability to complete the work in the expected timeframe

  The number of days given for each assignment extension depends on the interactive or participatory nature of a course. If special consideration in meeting deadlines is needed, students need to work with the instructor to determine the maximum extension that can be given before compromising the integrity of the course/program.

  In general, assignments with more than one week to complete can be done successfully with proper management and planning and only warrant an accommodation when an unexpected disability related episode occurs that prevents the student from following through, regardless of how much the student got done prior to that time.

  Unexpected illness or injury, recent diagnosis, onset or change in condition may warrant a withdrawal or incomplete from a course. In those cases, the appropriate NWIC process should be followed.

  Students must factor in the reality of their own personal situation and use time effectively to complete assignments. Heavy course loads, outside employment, or other family commitments are not considered when determining reasonable accommodations.

  Some instructors allow all students in their class more time than they believe is needed for students to complete assignments and/or exams. For example, an instructor gives an assignment they believe should only take two days to complete but allows students three days.  If all students in the class are provided “extended time” or buffer time to complete assignments, legal guidance suggests that it would be discriminatory not to provide the extended time in addition to the time given to all students in the course.

  Considerations when determining reasonable extensions of assignment deadlines:

  1. What is the purpose of the assignment? Is it necessary to have it completed before an exam? Before a discussion?
  2. What does the syllabus say about deadlines?
  3. Are students required to actively participate in class discussions/activities?
  4. How is participation figured into the final grade?
  5. How are students expected to interact with each other (in class, group work outside of class, via Canvas/e-mail)?
  6. Is the material being learned in the class sequentially? Does each week’s material build on the material learned in the previous week(s)?
  7. Are there other lab or class sections the student could attend to catch up on missed material?
  8. What general policies exist for making up missed exams, pop quizzes? Turning in late work?
  9. Could missed assignments be turned in via discussion board/e-mail?
  10. Are tests to be taken at a specific time and place, or is there a window when the test can be taken?
  11. Is it possible for students to “work ahead” in this class?

  When listed on the accommodation letter, course instructors are asked to consider whether or not such an accommodation would be reasonable for the class and the assignment(s) in question. Any concerns should be directed to the Dean of Students.

  Points to consider in making a final decision include:

  1. Assess the average time all students are expected to spend on the project relative to the deadline and if the disability situation necessitates an extension beyond this deadline.
  2. Is it feasible to assign the project to the student with the disability in advance of other students while keeping the deadline consistent?
  3. The accommodation does not have to be implemented if it becomes a fundamental alteration to the course – consult with the Dean of Students before making final decision.

  Instructors who have questions about how to best incorporate this accommodation into a class or who do not believe an assignment extension is reasonable are directed to consult with the Dean of Students before making a final decision.

• Sample Accommodation Syllabus Statement

  Northwest Indian College provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you require accommodations or other academic supports due to a physical, psychological, psychiatric, or learning disability, you should contact the Dean of Students at vretasket@nwic.edu or (360) 392-4255.