Policy Statement: After all reasonable accommodations have been unsuccessful, a student with a documented disability may request a course substitution/exception as an accommodation.  An academic department/school will not authorize a course substitution when the course is essential to the degree being sought and a substitution is a fundamental alteration to the program.

 

Background:

 

Purpose:  Establish a process for students with disabilities to request exceptions to degree requirements.

 

Implementation Date: Fall 2004

 

Related Procedures:

1.      Student discusses with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) to determine whether reasonable accommodations have been unsuccessful.

2.      The Office of DSS contacts the dean of enrollment services to determine which department/school is authorized to address the request.  The dean of enrollment services will summarize request, forward appropriate information to the chair/school director, and ensure FERPA and OSRHE policies are considered.

3.      Department chair/school director determines the appropriateness of a course substitution/exception based on the essential nature of the course requirement to the degree.

4.      Recommendation of the chair/school director is forwarded to his/her dean for authorization.

5.      In cases in which the student believes the disability issue has not been appropriately addressed by the department chair/school director and dean, the student and the Office of DSS will appeal to the provost’s office for a final determination.

 

Coordinating Offices: Dean of Enrollment Services, Office of Disability Student Services, Chairs/School Director and Deans.

 

Academic Affairs Point-of-Contact:  Vice Provost/Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

 

Policy approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs on May 26, 2004.

 

Key Words: Disabilities, Students with Disabilities, Exceptions, Substitutions         

 

The University of Central Oklahoma
May 26,2004