Students

Information for Students with Disabilities

Steps to Requesting Accommodations for the First time at Worldwide: 

1. Submit accommodation application request.
2. Provide documentation. In most cases, you will need to give SAS paperwork that explains your disability and how it affects you.
3. Check your ERAU email. We will only communicate with you via ERAU email for confidentiality. After you submit your application, you will immediately receive an automated email informing you that SAS will review your application. SAS will then contact you via ERAU email within five business days regarding your next step.
4. • You will receive an email with information on scheduling an appointment with us. If you are prompted to schedule a new student appointment, keep these tips in mind:
   • It may take up to three to five days to schedule a new student meeting. Students new to ERAU are strongly encouraged to request accommodations from SAS as early as possible prior to attending ERAU Worldwide .
   • During the new student meeting, a SAS staff member will talk with you about the academic challenges you are experiencing relative to your disability, reasonable accommodations to address the academic barriers, and potential next steps and accommodation options. Our goal is to keep the meeting relaxed and comfortable. Meetings may be conducted via phone or using a virtual platform.
   • Current ERAU Worldwide students may request accommodations at any time but are encouraged to meet with SAS as soon as they become aware of a need. We do not accommodate retroactively.
   • It may take time after a new student meeting to finalize and facilitate accommodations.

Faculty Notification

Once the disability status has been established, students are required to submit the Request Accommodations Form each time they register.

Students are encouraged to register as early as possible to allow time for the SAS to notify the faculty. It is also suggested that the student notify the faculty during the first week of the class.

• SAS will send an email and copy the student and each identified instructor, advising them that the student is a member of the protected class and of the required accommodation.
• Every effort will be made to provide accommodations in a timely manner.
• Accommodations will not be provided retroactively, nor will grades be altered, when students choose not to request accommodations in advance of a term starting.

Disability-Related Class Attendance/Absence

Attendance, regardless of modality, and with it group project participation, is essential toward students’ mastery of the learning objectives for many courses. Faculty determines whether students may make up missed assignments, quizzes or exams. Faculty are not required to reduce academic standards or alter essential course elements for purposes of accommodation.

Toward the end of a term, when frequent or extended absences delay the completion of course objectives, individual students may consult with their instructor to request an incomplete (I) grade. Students requesting an incomplete grade should have the ability to complete course requirements within the period of time specified in the Worldwide Campus catalog.

Temporary Eligibilities

Students with a short-term medical condition are encouraged to contact the SAS as soon as possible to discuss the academic impact of their injury or illness. A temporary eligibility might include the following:

• Major surgery
• Limited mobility due to a broken bone or muscle injury
• Concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Short-term illness
• Pregnancy

Missing a few classes or deadlines due to the flu, a common cold, etc. would not require formal accommodations through the SAS Office or be considered a temporary eligibility. In these situations, it would be best to work with your professor directly to determine the flexibility they may afford you regarding submitting late work without penalty.

Course Substitutions

The premise behind reasonable accommodation is to allow students to pursue a typical course of study, albeit with certain modifications and/or adjustments, that terminates in a desired degree or certificate. Therefore, in determining if course substitution is a reasonable accommodation, the University has the responsibility to consider whether a course is essential to the student’s curriculum and whether making a substitution would represent a substantial change to that curriculum.

Before the university considers a request for course substitution, the SAS will collaborate with the registrar and program chair to determine if:

• The course in question is required for graduation.
• The course in question is a general education requirement or a required course in the degree program.
• The student has received appropriate course placement.
• Accommodations have been offered that allow the student to participate in the usual/typical course of study that leads to academic program completion.

Accommodation Appeals and Grievances

If a student elects to appeal a decision, believes that they have been denied accommodations or services, discriminated against or been treated unfairly, they may file an appeal or grievance.

• Students who feel that there was an error in determining an accommodation through the Student Accessibility Services Office may file an appeal by submitting a request through the Disability Accommodation Appeal. The Dean of Students or the designee will review the appeal and convene an ad-hoc committee, with representation from all areas relevant to the appeal, to resolve the complaint. The student should submit a timely request, and the Dean’s Office will strive to resolve the issue within 30 days of receipt. If the student disagrees with all or any part of an appeal/grievance decision regarding the University's compliance with legally mandated services or accommodations, they may make a final appeal of that decision to the Worldwide Chancellor.

• Students with a concern or grievance unrelated to accommodations may submit an Assistance Request - Student Grievance Form. Students are encouraged to address any issues with the faculty or staff member on which the grievance is based. If unresolved, the student should provide a written document outlining the situation to allow Student Affairs to investigate your concerns and advocate on your behalf.