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Student Accessibility Services

Students need preparation for success not only in their college career but also in the community and workforce following graduation. Therefore, Mount Union is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities or unique challenges who demonstrate the potential for success in college.

Student Accessibility Services supports Mount Union's commitment to diversity and student success by providing services and accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges. Student Accessibility Services ensures accessible programs, services and a campus environment in compliance with local, state, and federal disability rights legislation. Student Accessibility Services also serves as a resource to faculty, staff, and the University community by providing consultation and advocacy services on issues related to compliance.

Students who wish to request accommodations in academics or housing must complete a request for accommodations and must provide supporting documentation of their unique needs. Requests for accommodation(s) will be determined based upon factors including the nature and timeliness of the request, the specific needs of the student, administrative feasibility, and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation. Accommodations are approved on an academic-year basis and must be renewed each academic year.

Inquiries and requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible in the academic term to achieve the best possible outcomes:

  • For academic accommodations, students are strongly encouraged to make a request prior to the start of the academic term whenever possible.
  • For housing accommodations, new students are strongly encouraged to make a request by the end of June (for the upcoming Fall term) in order to receive priority consideration. Returning students should make their accommodation requests in February (for the upcoming Fall term) prior to the housing lottery being conducted.

To request accommodations, or to address any related questions, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services at studentaccessibility@mountunion.edu or by calling (330) 823-7372.

Academic Accommodations

Mount Union students with disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges may be eligible for academic accommodations to be utilized while in the classroom and/or while testing and may request for specific accommodations. Requests for academic accommodations will be determined based upon factors including the nature of the request, the specific needs of the student, and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation.

Examples of the most commonly approved accommodations include:

  • Extended testing time
  • Low-distraction testing environment
  • Notetaking assistance
  • Preferential seating
  • Access to lecture materials prior to class
  • Audiobooks
  • Alternative exam formatting
  • Self-excuse from class for reasonable medically necessary breaks


Students who wish to request for academic accommodation must complete a request for accommodations and must provide appropriate documentation of their unique needs. Documentation may include medical records, education records, or other appropriate statements from licensed medical or mental health professionals. It is the student’s responsibility to provide SAS with all required documentation.


SHORT-TERM DISABILITIES

Mount Union students with short-term disabilities and injuries may be eligible for academic and housing accommodations due to physical injuries, surgeries, concussions, and similar short-term mobility or learning restrictions.  SAS recognizes that short-term disabilities may limit a student’s ability to effectively write, type, study, ambulate, or drive. To assist students in these instances, short-term allowances for accommodations may include:

  • Extended testing time
  • Alternative exam formatting
  • Notetaking assistance
  • Preferential seating
  • Self-excuse from class for reasonable medically necessary breaks
  • Handicapped parking pass
  • Transportation assistance between University buildings
  • Elevator use in some residence halls
  • Specific concussion-related academic accommodations as prescribed

 

Students who wish to request for short-term accommodations must complete a request for accommodations and must provide appropriate documentation of their unique needs. Documentation may include medical records or other appropriate statements from licensed medical or mental health professionals. It is the student’s responsibility to provide SAS with all required documentation.


TECHNOLOGY ACCOMMODATIONS

The University of Mount Union is committed to ensuring equal access to course content and learning for students with disabilities that may interfere with the traditional use of media or technology. To that end, SAS ensures that students with qualifying disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges are accommodated in their use of technology as a vital component of their education. Student Accessibility Services strives to utilize and provide students with state-of-the-art options for technology, and we are always eager to collaborate with students on new suggestions. Examples of accommodated technology offerings include:

  • Screen reader software
  • Dictation software
  • Audiobooks
  • Audio recording software and smartpens
  • Custom-ordered supportive devices and software


Any prospective or current Mount Union students who may be concerned about their ability to access University websites, software, media or technology should contact Student Accessibility Services at studentaccessibility@mountunion.edu or (330) 823-7372 for assistance.