ACCESS

Policies and Procedures

Course Substitution Policy & Procedure

The Course Substitution Policy and Procedure allows students to replace a required course with an alternative course that has similar content or learning outcomes, often due to barriers that exist due to a documented disability. This process requires a formal petition, and department approval as well as appropriate documentation to maintain degree integrity. 

Digital Accessibility Policy

The SIUE Digital Accessibility Policy defines our university's commitment to ensuring digital content, websites, and applications are usable by people with disabilities, by adhering to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA standards. As mandated by ADA Title II or Section 508, that covers internal and external digital tools, outlining responsibilities, training, and procurement. 

Disability Grievance Policy & Procedure

The grievance process for disability services allows individuals to formally address complaints regarding discrimination, 
service quality, or violations of rights. All University discrimination complaints fall under the Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedures - 2C7 & 3C6 which covers discrimination/harassment based on all protected identities, including sex. 

For specific inquiries or assistance you can contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX.

Evacuations and Students with Disabilities

Evacuating students and community members with disabilities requires tailored, pre-planned procedures emphasizing supports, and designated areas of refuge. Key actions include avoiding elevators, and using clear and appropriate communication specific to the needs of the individual.

Recorded Lecture Policy and Agreement

Recording lectures is one of the academic accommodations specifically identified in Section 504, Subpart E, Postsecondary Education, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a means of ensuring full participation in educational programs or activities for students with disabilities. Refusal to allow this accommodation to qualified students violates federal law.

Service and Support Animals

Depending on the specific type of animal, service, service in training and support, students have differing responsibilities in terms of approval to be on campus or in campus buildings. For more specific guidance, please see the University Policy on Pets and Animals - 6F1.

Temporary Medical Conditions and Accommodations

A temporary medical condition may result from an acute injury, medical condition, hospitalization, and so on. These conditions are transitory, relatively minor, and resolve in a relatively short period of time (i.e. 1-2 weeks for illness or mild concussion, up to 6-12 weeks for a broken limb, etc.) and show steady improvement during that period of time. These conditions are not considered disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Most short-term needs caused by temporary medical conditions can be met through existing options or informal short-term arrangements with instructors or the Dean of Students, and are not addressed through Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) accommodations process.

Examples of temporary conditions/injuries might include:

1. Common illnesses not due to disability/chronic medical condition (i.e. Covid, Mono, Flu, etc.)
2. Surgical procedure/recovery with medically expected recovery time and temporary impacts.
3. A sprained or broken limb with a medically expected recovery time.

A disability is a medical condition that has a longer duration and substantially limits a major life activity or major bodily function. Some initially temporary medical conditions (e.g., concussions, recovery from major surgery, etc.) may last long enough or impact a student so severely that they become disabilities and accommodations through ACCESS may be needed after other options have been pursued. In such instances, ACCESS will work with you, the Dean of Students, and your instructors to determine appropriate assistance. If your need for support exceeds what has been provided through other channels or is expected to have a duration exceeding 12 weeks, please register through our Accommodate Portal to engage in the interactive process with an ACCESS staff member.

Testing Scheduling Policy