Role of Faculty

Providing equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities is a shared responsibility. Resources for faculty are provided, but faculty are encouraged to contact Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) for assistance or guidance. One of ARC's primary goals is to support faculty by advocating responsibly for accessible learning environments, by coordinating academic support services, promoting universal design for learning, and by removing informational, physical, and attitudinal barriers. Faculty roles include:

• Clearly identify essential course components and competencies in each course syllabus so that reasonable accommodations can be determined.
• Respect the student’s right for privacy. Faculty must protect the student’s privacy – never single out a student with a disability in front of others by discussing their disability, accommodations, or ARC status.  Provide time during office hours or in a private setting to meet with the student.
• Invite students to meet early in the semester to discuss their need for accommodations.
• Understand what services are available to students with disabilities.
• Privately discuss with individual students any possible accommodations, usually not exemptions. Accommodations should not alter the course objectives or technical standards.
• ARC is here to help -- feel free to reach out for guidance.

 Encourage student disclosure with a syllabus statement. The following is suggested wording: 

"Americans with Disabilities Act: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or chronic illness, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Please also contact Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) as they are the designated department responsible for approving and coordinating reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities. ARC will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide you further assistance with requesting and arranging accommodations."