Accommodation Process

The Interactive Process

We use a student-centered, interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. After documentation is reviewed, the student meets with an accommodation coordinator to discuss their disability-related needs, the barriers they are experiencing, and the accommodation they are requesting.

Each request is reviewed individually. In that review, we consider the student’s personal narrative, documentation from a qualified medical, health, or counseling provider, the functional impact of the disability, and the requirements of the relevant course, program, or activity. When appropriate, we may also consult with faculty, deans, or other campus partners to better understand the academic or operational requirements involved.

Our goal is to identify accommodations that provide equal access by addressing disability-related barriers without waiving essential academic standards or fundamentally altering the nature of a course, program, or service. If a requested accommodation cannot be approved as submitted, we work through the interactive process to determine whether another reasonable accommodation may address the identified barrier.

Determining Reasonableness

Determining reasonableness means considering multiple factors:

  1. Assessing how the impact of the disability affects a student’s ability to participate in courses, housing, or campus activities.
  2. Identifying the specific barriers to access for the student.
  3. Evaluating whether the essential elements of the course, program, service, activity or facility would be fundamentally altered by the accommodation.

When is an Accommodation potentially not reasonable?

While our goal is always to provide equal access, a request may be considered unreasonable if it:

  • Would lower academic standards by waiving requirements or content mastery expected of all students.
  • Lacks a clear connection (nexus) between the disability and the specific barrier.
  • Is primarily therapeutic, intended to enhance success, or based on personal preference rather than an access need.
  • Impacts health and safety or addresses challenges that can be managed through general campus supports, such as tutoring or study skills groups.

Every request goes through a structured review.  If a requested accommodation cannot be approved as submitted, we work through the interactive process to determine whether another reasonable accommodation may address the identified barrier.

Ongoing Support

The presence of a disability does not automatically guarantee a specific or preferred accommodation; rather, it must be a logical solution to a documented barrier. This remains an ongoing partnership throughout a student’s time at UNC Charlotte. As needs or environments change, students are encouraged to contact their accommodation coordinator to revisit and adjust their plan. Additional documentation may be requested when new requests based on new disability impacts or changes are evaluated.

Not Retroactive

It is important to understand that accommodations are not retroactive and only begin once students notify their faculty by providing their accommodation letter. Students should meet with their faculty to discuss their accommodations. Students in online classes should follow up with faculty via email to discuss accommodations.

Academic Accommodations

Though not an exhaustive list, the following are some of the accommodations available to students when appropriate: