Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students and families will:

Clearly define what a “reasonable accommodation” is under federal law
Understand the purpose and limits of accommodations in the college setting
Identify types of accommodations offered across academic, housing, and virtual learning environments
Understand that accommodations are not automatic, not retroactive, and not guarantees of academic performance
Recognize the process and expectations for requesting temporary accommodations

Introduction

In a university setting, accommodations are tools designed to ensure that students with documented disabilities can access the same educational opportunities as their peers. They are not modifications, not exemptions, and not special privileges.

Accommodations exist to address barriers created by the environment—not to change the expectations of what a student must learn or demonstrate in a course. The integrity of the degree program remains intact.

At Jackson State University, we use an individualized, student-centered approach when determining accommodations. We review documentation, listen to each scholar’s lived experiences, and collaborate to remove unnecessary barriers—without compromising course standards.

Defining a Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is a change or adjustment to an academic or residential environment that allows a qualified student with a disability to have equal access without fundamentally altering the nature of a course or program.

To be approved, an accommodation must:

Be supported by documentation from a licensed professional
Be directly related to a functional limitation caused by the disability
Be appropriate within the educational setting
Not cause undue administrative burden or change course objectives

Accommodations Do Not Include:

Personal attendants or private tutors
Modifications to curriculum or learning objectives
Waivers of essential course requirements
Preferential grading or extended deadlines unrelated to disability

Categories of Accommodations at AERC

Academic Accommodations (Renewed Each Semester)

Extended time for tests (usually 1.5x; 2x requires high justification)
Reduced-distraction or private testing environments
Note-taking assistance (peer notes, copies of slides, or technology aids)
Permission to record lectures or access lecture recordings
Alternative format textbooks (e.g., audio, large print, digital access)
Use of assistive technology (speech-to-text, screen readers, smartpens)
Priority registration
Preferential seating
Accessible classroom locations

These accommodations must be requested each semester through the AERC’s renewal portal.

Housing Accommodations (Valid for Contract Term)

Accessible room (e.g., first-floor for mobility impairments)
Private room due to psychological, medical, or sensory-based needs
Visual door alarms or other sensory modifications
Access to elevators or rooms near restrooms

Documentation for housing accommodations must:

Clearly describe the disability-related need
Be dated within the past 12 months
Include the provider’s professional credentials

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Must be approved through a formal AERC process before bringing the animal to campus
Requires documentation from a licensed mental health provider, explaining:

The student’s disability
The need for an ESA as part of treatment
The connection between the ESA and access to housing

Must be submitted alongside the housing application

Important: ESAs are only allowed in assigned residential spaces and cannot be brought into classrooms, libraries, or other public spaces.

Virtual and Remote Attendance Accommodations

May include access to Zoom links, recorded lectures, or alternative participation
Are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with input from instructors
Are approved only if they do not fundamentally alter course design (e.g., lab-based or experiential courses may be excluded)

Remote attendance accommodations can take longer to process and are not guaranteed.

Temporary Accommodations

Granted for students with short-term medical needs, such as:

Broken bones
Post-operative recovery
Short-term mental health episodes
Medical treatment (e.g., chemotherapy)

Temporary accommodations may include:

Extended time on tests or assignments
Note-taking assistance
Use of a mobility device
Modified attendance policies (with verification)

These accommodations typically expire at the end of the semester and may require updates or new documentation if extended needs persist.

What Accommodations Can and Cannot Do

Accommodations CAN:

Remove access barriers
Level the academic playing field
Allow the use of aids or technology
Offer equitable participation
Provide fair testing conditions

Accommodations CANNOT:

Guarantee high grades
Change course standards
Replace missed work without approval
Excuse chronic disengagement
Eliminate effort or deadlines

Key Message for Families

College is about independence and self-advocacy. Accommodations provide access, but success is the student’s responsibility. Scholars must attend class, complete work, and follow procedures—just like any other student.

Summary Checklist for Module 2

✅ Accommodations are tools for access—not advantages
✅ They must be linked to documentation and functional need
✅ There are different types of accommodations for academics, housing, and online access
✅ Temporary conditions may qualify for short-term accommodations
✅ Accommodations must be renewed each term
✅ ESAs and housing requests require early and complete documentation