Faculty Accommodation Resources
Faculty play an important role in providing approved academic accommodations to students registered with Student Disability Services. This page explains how to respond to Letters of Accommodation, use the Instructor Portal and address common questions about implementing accommodations in the classroom.
Faculty Responsibilities
Once a student has provided an approved Letter of Accommodation from Student Disability Services, faculty are responsible for providing the authorized reasonable accommodations in a timely manner.
Faculty should:
- Review each Letter of Accommodation carefully.
- Meet or communicate individually with the student to discuss how the approved accommodations will be implemented in the course.
- Provide the accommodations identified in the letter.
- Maintain the student's privacy and avoid discussing disability-related information in front of other students.
- Contact Student Disability Services when clarification is needed or when there is a concern about how an accommodation applies to an essential course requirement.
If a Student Has Not Provided a Letter of Accommodation
If a student requests disability-related accommodations but has not provided an approved Letter of Accommodation, refer the student to Student Disability Services. Student Disability Services is responsible for determining eligibility and approving disability-related academic accommodations.
Faculty should not request medical documentation or require students to disclose the nature of their disability. Disability documentation is reviewed and maintained by Student Disability Services.
Academic Standards
Approved accommodations are intended to provide equal access and do not require faculty to lower academic standards or eliminate essential course requirements. If an accommodation appears to conflict with an essential requirement of a course or program, contact Student Disability Services before denying or modifying the accommodation.
Letters of Accommodation
A Letter of Accommodation, commonly called an LOA, is the university-approved notification that a student is eligible for specific academic accommodations.
Student Disability Services sends LOAs electronically to the instructor of record. The letter identifies the student, course and approved accommodations that need to be provided. Faculty should rely on accommodation notifications issued through Student Disability Services.
When You Receive an LOA
- Review the letter. Confirm the course and section and review each approved accommodation.
- Communicate with the student. Discuss how the accommodations will work within the structure of the course.
- Make necessary arrangements. Allow reasonable time to put the approved accommodations in place.
- Contact SDS when needed. Ask Student Disability Services for guidance if an accommodation is unclear or presents a concern related to an essential course requirement.
When an LOA Is Submitted Later in the Semester
Students may establish accommodations at any point during a semester. Accommodations apply going forward after the approved university process has been completed and are not generally retroactive. Faculty should implement approved accommodations within a reasonable amount of time after receiving the Letter of Accommodation.
Instructor Portal
The Student Disability Services Instructor Portal in AIM allows faculty to manage information related to student accommodations and accommodated testing.
The Instructor Portal may be used for tasks associated with the Alternative Testing module and other accommodation information connected to courses.
Instructor Portal Training
Student Disability Services provides training resources explaining how to use the Instructor Portal and Alternative Testing module.
If you have questions about accommodated testing procedures, contact Student Disability Services before an exam so arrangements can be addressed in advance.
Required Syllabus Statement
Texas Tech University requires faculty to include a disability accommodation statement in each course syllabus.
Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor's office hours. Please note: instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, please contact Student Disability Services in Weeks Hall or call 806.742.2405.
Faculty should consult current university operating policies and Student Disability Services guidance for requirements related to student accommodations.
Faculty FAQ
Faculty FAQ
Student Disability Services determines whether a student is eligible for disability-related academic accommodations. Faculty receive verification through an approved Letter of Accommodation identifying the accommodations to be provided.
No. Faculty generally need to know the accommodations that must be provided, not the student's diagnosis or disability documentation. Students are not required to disclose the specific nature of their disability to instructors.
Refer the student to Student Disability Services. SDS is responsible for reviewing documentation, determining eligibility and approving accommodations.
Student Disability Services determines reasonable accommodations on an individual basis using the student's documentation, identified functional limitations and the requirements of the academic environment.
No. Accommodations are intended to address disability-related barriers so students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and meet course requirements. Academic standards remain the same.
Contact Student Disability Services before refusing or changing the accommodation. SDS can work with the instructor to determine how the accommodation applies while preserving essential course requirements.
Students may request accommodations at any point during the semester. Once an approved LOA has been provided, faculty should implement the accommodations within a reasonable amount of time. Accommodations generally apply going forward rather than retroactively.
Continue to apply the same academic standards used for other students. Discuss the student's academic performance and available course resources and encourage the student to contact Student Disability Services if disability-related barriers or accommodation concerns may be contributing to the difficulty.
No. Student Disability Services is responsible for reviewing and maintaining disability documentation. Faculty should rely on the approved Letter of Accommodation.
Questions About an Accommodation
If you have questions about a student's accommodations or need help determining how an accommodation should be implemented in your course, contact Student Disability Services.
Email Student Disability Services
Student Disability Services
130 Weeks Hall
Phone: 806.742.2405
Student Disability Services
-
Address
130 Weeks Hall, MS 45007 | Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2405 -
Fax
806.742.4837 -
Email
sds@ttu.edu