Faculty and Staff

Students in need of accommodations are entitled to these services under state and federal law. These accommodations ensure equal access to the learning environment at UMKC. Accommodations do not fundamentally alter an essential aspect of a course or program.

The Student Accessibility Services office establishes an accommodation plan with the student. Then, they provide students with an accommodation/eligibility letter for each of their instructors. Instructors are to discuss with the student(s) how best to meet their accommodations. Students are not required to disclose their specific medical diagnosis to faculty.

ROO ACCESS FACULTY/STAFF LOGIN

Syllabi Statement

If you haven’t already, please consider adding a statement to your syllabi. Our recommended statement is:

"To obtain accommodations based on a disability (including auxiliary aids), pregnancy, or a sincerely held religious belief, students must contact Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible by requesting an accommodation plan on the website or calling 816-235-5612. When possible, students should seek accommodations before the start of the semester to ensure full resolution of their requests before beginning a program or course of study. After verification, students will inform their course instructors and detail the accommodations and/or auxiliary aids needed".

 

Confidentiality

People in need of accommodations are often subject to discrimination, stigma, and misunderstanding. To protect the student from mistreatment, please keep the following suggestions in mind:

  • Information about the student’s accessibility needs and accommodations, are personal and confidential and should be managed in the same way you would want your personal information managed.
  • Students in need of accessibility services may choose to disclose details of their accessibility needs. Faculty are expected to maintain confidentiality and avoid unnecessary attention to the student’s accessibility needs.

Guidelines

  • Information a student shares is to be used specifically for arranging accommodations.
  • Don’t leave student accessibility information visible on your computer or in any printed format that others can see. Please dispose of it securely at the end of the semester.
  • Do not discuss a student’s accessibility status and accommodations in public with others who do not have an “educational need to know.”
  • Don’t assume that students with an approved accommodation plan are aware of other students’ accessibility plans. Send separate emails to each student.
  • Do not tell other students that a student has an accessibility plan.
  • Discuss accommodation letters and coordination of implementing accommodations with students in private. Make yourself available by email, during office hours, or by appointment to discuss.

Notification Letters

Students with an accommodation plan will send a Faculty Notification Letter (FNL) to each of their instructors. The letters detail the accommodations that are necessary for the student’s equal access. Please meet with the student in a confidential setting to discuss ways that you can work together to meet the accommodation plan. If you have questions or concerns, we are available to help.

The accommodations indicated in the letter must be provided to the student. If you believe that a prescribed accommodation fundamentally alters an essential aspect of the course or program, please contact the Student Accessibility Services office to express your concerns. Do not discuss your concerns with the student.

Attendance and Due Dates

Some students receive an accommodation for flexibility in attendance and/or flexibility of assignment due dates. There may be an accessibility-related reason a student may be absent or may delay in submitting an assignment. Students with this accommodation are encouraged to communicate early and often with their instructors if there is a need to utilize this accommodation. Additionally, we ask that faculty communicate with the student(s) as well. Please consider contacting SAS if this accommodation becomes an issue of concern. Please email SAS  or call (816) 235-5612 if you have any questions. We are happy to assist!

The amount of flexibility provided should be based on what is essential to meeting the course objectives and does not fundamentally alter the essential nature of the course or program.

Flexibility in attendance (PDF)

Flexibility in assignment due dates (PDF)

Notetaker Accommodation

For inquiries, please email us at accessibility@umkc.edu.