Disability Services

Northwood University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  Based on these laws and University policy, the University:

• does not engage in discrimination based on student disabilities
• does not impose eligibility criteria that will screen out disabled students
• reasonably accommodates students through an interactive process

Here are some answers to questions about how Disability Services on your campus can help you:

Who is eligible for accommodations?

Enrolled students who present appropriate documentation of current disabilities that affect learning or access to learning are eligible for accommodations, so that the University can review the disability documentation, and begin identifying possible reasonable accommodations. Interim accommodations pending the prompt receipt of the required documentation may also be made available in appropriate cases.  However, failure by the student to provide requested documentation in a timely manner may significantly limit eligibility for accommodations.

How do I obtain Accommodations?

All students who need accommodations must meet with the Learning Resource Director either during the first week of classes or at least two weeks before the accommodations are required. At the first meeting, you and the LRC Director will discuss your situation. Then, the LRC Director will work with you through an interactive process to understand the disability and determine appropriate accommodations for which you are eligible. You may also receive more specific information about requesting accommodations each semester during your studies at Northwood. Finally, you may be required to sign a waiver allowing the LRC Director to make arrangements for your accommodations.

What services do you offer?

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) has a variety of accommodations for eligible students, depending on individual needs.  The following are merely examples and not an exhaustive list:

• Testing in a quiet room with reduced distractions
• Testing with extra time
• Having quizzes, tests, and exams read to the student
• Having a classmate serve as a volunteer note taker

What documentation is required, and how do I provide it?

In general, students need to provide documentation from:

• A physician, psychologist or other qualified specialist
  or
• An Individual Education Plan (IEP) provided by the student's high school

Content must be current within the last twelve months, and should include:

• Onset, history, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disability and related symptoms, and the last date of physician contact.
• A practical but detailed description of how the disability currently affects learning or access to learning, including functional and behavioral limitations and special considerations such as the side effects of medicine.
• Description of accommodations and services used in the past and recommendations or a range of recommendations for academic accommodations going forward.

The University may require additional information or an independent evaluation or diagnostic interview, in addition to the information listed above.

Documentation should be mailed or faxed to the LRC Director.  The student may also bring the documentation to his/her first visit with the LRC Director.

What are some of the limits on accommodations?

Northwood University is not required to provide accommodations that would: (i) fundamentally alter the nature of educational services; (ii) result in major program modifications; (iii) decrease academic or grading standards; (iv) disregard core course requirements or materially compromise the standards of the curriculum; (v) provide personal health care assistants or devices; or (vi) impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the Department or the University. In general, whether and when these limits apply are unique to each case.

Importantly, students should be aware that the need for disability accommodations does not exempt any student from compliance with student conduct policies or from appropriate discipline for violations of such policies, and in particular, conduct requirements that are essential to University operations and the programs in which the student is involved.

What other academic help is available?

Any Northwood student may participate in free programs offered through the Learning Resource Center. These include:

• Tutoring in accounting, economics, mathematics, and writing during scheduled lab hours
• Guidance on study, time management, college reading, and test-taking skills through:
  • Success Workshops on specific topics
  • Individual Academic Support sessions by appointment

Where do I go for more information?

If you have any questions about our disability services, want to send documentation, or would like to arrange for accommodations, please contact us anytime.

Contact Information

Michael Brinkley
Learning Resource Center Director
Hopkins Building, Room 101
Phone: (972) 293-5480
Fax: (972) 293-7026
Learning Resource Center

*Northwood University is not required to provide accommodations which would compromise the standards of the curriculum or which would pose an undue financial or administrative burden to the department or university. Northwood University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, gender, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability or veteran status. The University is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination.