Felician University is guided by the goal of educating a qualified and diverse student body and respecting each student’s dignity, ability to contribute, and desire for personal growth. The University desires to foster both intellectual and physical independence to the greatest extent possible in all of its students. Felician University offers equal educational opportunities and reasonable accommodations for the needs of qualified students with disabilities. The University supports the protection available to students with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify?
Any student admitted to Felician University, who discloses an existing disability, and can substantiate such a disability is entitled to the appropriate “reasonable accommodations” and service provided by the Office of Accessibility Services.
Students who do not have documentation, but wish to receive services, may meet with the Coordinator to discuss the process, requirements, and resources for making a request.
To whom do I disclose my disability(ies) and am I obligated to do so?
A student may, at the time of application, elect to disclose a request for services for a disability to an admission counselor. However, there is no statute of limitations on the time for disclosure. A student may disclose his or her request to any administrator or faculty member at any time. The disclosing student will be directed to contact the Office of Accessibility as soon as possible in order to substantiate the disability and discuss eligibility for services. A student is under no obligation to disclose a disability; and such information may not be solicited from any member of the University community.
Once I have disclosed my request for services or my disability(ies), what is the next step?
A student who has disclosed the existence of a disability or a request for services should then contact the Office of Accessibility Services. The Office is located on the Lodi Campus in Room 104 Kirby Hall. The phone number is 201. 559- 6050 or 201. 559-6047.
What should I bring with me?
A student with a disability, who wishes to receive the appropriate and reasonable accommodations to which she/he is entitled under section 504, should bring current documentation to support the request. This may include: The most recent reports of a school psychologist, learning disability specialist and IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 Plan from high school (documentation should be within 3 years of the current date) and/or the most recent report of a psychiatrist, certified medical practitioner or clinical psychologist (documentation should be dated within the current year).
What will the Coordinator of Accessibility Services do with my records?
The substantiating documents will be photocopied, and the original returned to the student. A confidential and collaborative discussion will be conducted during which, in conjunction with the evidence of the supporting documents, the “reasonable” accommodations and modifications necessary to enable the student to “fully and equally participate” in the course offered at the University will be identified. If the student’s disability(ies) includes physical and/or psychological areas, the student’s case will be reviewed by a committee that consists of the appropriate professionals. The Coordinator will then present the approved accommodations to the student and together they will identify courses or campus situations in which the student will need the accommodations. A confidential file will then be created for the student containing a copy of the supporting documents, the approved accommodations, Accommodation/Verification Form (specific accommodations in compliance with Section 504 of the ADA, ADA 1990, and ADAA 2008- amended acts) and course schedule.
How will instructors know that I require accommodations?
At the university level, by law it is the student’s responsibility to notify the institution of any accommodations and/or academic adjustments appropriate to ensure equal access to programs and services. At the beginning of each academic semester, students who desire accommodations meet with the Coordinator of Accessibility Services to discuss which accommodations and/or academic adjustments are necessary in a course or courses. An Accommodation/Verification Form is completed and given to the student for that class or classes. It is the student’s responsibility to provide professors with the accommodation form or to give written permission to the Office of Accessibility Services to distribute the accommodations to the individual professors. The professors are not obligated to provide accommodations without this form. A student may choose to reveal specific information about the nature of his/her disability, and may do so directly, or can provide written consent for the Coordinator to communicate with a faculty member.
What are the typical “reasonable accommodations” provided for students with disabilities at Felician University?
The “reasonable accommodations” most afforded students with disabilities at Felician University are as follows:
- Extended time on major tests and exams.
- The provision of an alternate site for administration on major tests and exams.
- The use of a tape recorder or student note taker for lectures
- The use of a calculator for computation problems on math and science tests and exams.
- The use of a laptop for in-class essay exams and tests or for note-taking purposes.
The student’s disability and documentation must warrant support the specific accommodation(s) and such accommodation(s) must comply with the provisions of the section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), ADA (1990), and the amended Acts of 2008.
Are there tutorial services provided by the University?
Yes. Every student attending Felician University can register for and receive tutorial assistance with courses in the major discipline at the Tutoring Studios. The Tutoring Studios are located on the second floor of Kirby Hall. The Coordinator of Tutoring Services is available in Room 226.
Does Felician University provide a specialized learning disabilities program?
Felician University does not provide a specialized learning disabilities program; however, support services and accommodations are provided to eligible students with a variety of disabilities who request them after they are admitted to the University.
Does Felician University provide psycho-educational testing for students who do not have documentation and wish to receive accommodations?
No. However, the Coordinator can conduct an interview and screening for current Felician students to determine if there is evidence that a comprehensive evaluation would be helpful. The Coordinator can refer the student to community resources for more comprehensive testing. The student is responsible for the cost of any private assessment.
Will my transcript indicate affiliation with the Office of Accessibility Services?
No. Affiliation with this office is confidential and not part of a student’s official academic record.
