Student Responsibilities

Students with accommodations are often surprised to learn the difference in the level of personal responsibility between high school and college. Self-advocacy skills are necessary at the college level. Use this guidance to stay on track.

Guidance to Student Responsibilities

Use the DS Portal

Students registered with our office use the online DS Student Portal to manage their accommodations. A Registration appointment with your assigned DS staff member is required to set up DS Portal access. Returning students who have not yet set up Portal access must schedule a Check-In appointment to set up Portal access and continue their accommodations.

Use the DS Portal to submit your accommodation requests and send your Accommodation Letters to your instructors each semester. The DS Portal system uses University email to communicate and confirm. Once you submit your accommodation request, you receive a confirmation email with important details. When your faculty confirm receipt of your accommodation letters, you receive a notification email. When you schedule a test in the DS Test Center, you receive a confirmation email. Be sure to check email regularly.

Notify Faculty: Request Accommodations Each Semester

To use approved accommodations, students are responsible for requesting accommodations and sending Accommodation Letters to their faculty each semester. You’ll need to use the DS Student Portal each semester that you need accommodations. It’s important remember that accommodations are not retroactive, and only begin at the point you formally notify faculty with your accommodation letter. If you need assistance, let us know and schedule an Advising appointment. Students also use the DS Student Portal to schedule tests, request note takers, and download class notes, if applicable.

Meet with Faculty

Even though many DS processes are online, students are still responsible for meeting with their instructors to discuss their accommodations. It’s important to know yourself and to understand your accommodations when talking with your instructors about your accommodation needs. Follow up with faculty by email or schedule time to meet with them during their office hours.

Schedule Tests Via the DS Portal

Students who qualify for testing accommodations use the DS Portal to schedule tests and final exams in the DS Test Center. Only tests that are in person and on campus may be scheduled in the Test Center. Students are responsible for scheduling their tests in a timely manner. Schedule tests 7 days in advance for Fall and Spring; 3 days in advance for Summer. Final exam deadlines will vary and are posted on our website and in the DS Portal. Professors receive notification when you submit your test or final exam requests and must approve the test request.

Address Any Concerns or Changes
in a Timely Manner

If your needs change or you have concerns related to your accommodations, notify your assigned DS staff member as soon as possible. If the situation is complex, schedule an “Advisement” appointment with your assigned DS staff member to get further assistance.

Use Campus Resources

We encourage you to use the wide variety of campus supports offered by the University. A list of campus resources is included in the DS Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is emailed to students after completion of their Registration appointment, and can be accessed on our Student Handbook webpage.