Accommodation Resource Center

Union Commonwealth University is committed to providing students with an accessible and equitable education. The ARC collaborates with faculty and staff to remove barriers ensuring students are able to meet and maintain their education and vocational goals.


Please review the information below for additional information about Disability Services, the accommodations process, and other accessibility resources.


Accommodation Documentation Guidelines

In order to be approved for accommodations, documentation must meet the following requirements:

  • Documents must be provided by a professional qualified to evaluate disabilities in the areas related to your request. These professionals include but are not limited to: Mental Health Professional, Educational Diagnostician or a Learning Disability Specialist.
  • Short statements of diagnosis are not sufficient
  • Input from you, your parent or guardian can be insightful but will not substitute for professional documentation of diagnosis
  • Documents must be provided on the professional’s letterhead with contact information and signature.
  • Documentation submitted must include:
  • Current diagnosis
  • Extent of impairment caused by disability that is being reported
  • List of reoccurring symptoms with notes of frequency and severity
  • Timeline for which accommodations may be needed
  • Specific recommendations for accommodations to satisfy academic or physical needs.
  • Documents from previous learning institutions, including copies of 504 or IEP plans are acceptable. Please note: accommodations differ from institution to institution, appropriate adjustments can be made to fit Union College standards. 
  • ARC works closely with Union’s Athletic Training Department to ensure short-term athletic disability needs are met.

Accommodation Services

Accommodation services are specifically designed to meet the needs of each individual student. Students must initiate contact with the Accommodation Resource Center. After the documentation has been received, the ARC coordinator will schedule an appointment to review the documentation with the student to determine eligibility. Accommodations will be renewed on a semester basis, based on the timeline of the disability provided by the health care professional. The documentation originally provided will remain in place for the duration of their education at Union College. Some documentation may need to be updated upon request from the ARC.


Accommodation Services include but are not limited to:

  • Extended time for testing
  • Classroom and Lab accommodations
  • Assistive Technology
  • Note-takers, readers, and scribes.
  • Academic Counseling
  • Accessible Housing/Parking/Building access
  • Communication with Faculty and Staff regarding student’s needs.


Accommodation Services do NOT include:

  • Substantial modifications to academic standards
  • Modification or adjustment of requirements essential to any program of instruction, program, or activity.
  • Modifications or adjustments that result in undue hardship on the college, considering the nature and impact of the accommodation.


Confidentiality

All documentation relating to the student’s diagnosis, or accommodation of disability is confidential information. The information provided will remain in the Accommodation Resource Center and will not be attached to any other student record. Disability accommodation requests are released to college officials that are relevant to the student’s academic or physical well-being, with permission from the student. All documents supporting a disability on file with the Disability Resource Center will be retained and disposed of in accordance with Kentucky State law.


Contact

Education & Retention Specialist

Tori Doyle

tori.doyle@unionky.edu

(606) 546-1258

Sharp Academic Center- Room 3110

Associate Academic Dean for Student Success

Stephanie Smith

sasmith@unionky.edu

(606) 546-1259

Sharp Academic Center- Room 3119


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