I. Purpose
SGU is committed to ensuring access for qualified students with disabilities. In accordance with its mission and applicable laws, SGU ensures that students with disabilities or disabling conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities are provided with reasonable accommodations that support their full participation in academic and campus life; however, accommodations cannot fundamentally alter academic or program requirements, compromise patient or animal safety, or lower the standards of professional competency expected of all graduates.
II. Requesting Accommodations
To request accommodations, documentation must be submitted with an application at the Student Accessibility and Accommodations website (https://www.sgu.edu/student-support-services/student-accessibility-accommodation-services/). Please email accommodations@sgu.edu with any questions.
III. Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are exceptions to rules, policies and processes or the addition of auxiliary aides or services to ensure access to educational programming for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation cannot be retroactively applied, nor can they fundamentally alter the curriculum or technical and safety standards.
Reasonable accommodations can be granted for any aspect of the educational program including assessments, housing and campus accessibility.
Interactive Process: Reasonable accommodations are determined through the interactive process which includes a review of documentation and discussion of an individual’s current barriers to access. If applicable, further conversations with relevant faculty and staff may be required. The interactive process must be completed in its entirety prior to the implementation of accommodations. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as requests can take up to three weeks to be processed.
IV. Documentation
Documentation is required to begin the interactive process. Specific requirements are outlined on the student accessibility and accommodations website; however, all documentation must include the diagnosis, and a thorough description of the functional limitations to living and learning posed by the symptoms. Documentation must come from a licensed provider on letterhead.
V. Student Rights and Responsibilities
Once determined, students will receive a letter detailing their approved accommodations, the duration of their eligibility, and related policies and processes. Students have the right to request changes to accommodations for all assessments at any time but must initiate the process. It is the responsibility of students to stay apprised of processes and policies to ensure the appropriate implementation of their accommodations.
VI. External Accommodation Requests
Accommodation requests for exams given by the NBME (USMLE STEP) and ICVA (NAVLE) are external to SGU. Student Accessibility and Accommodations can provide information and guidance however, ultimately, students are responsible for following the processes outlined by those organizations.
VII. Confidentiality
Documentation and records submitted to SAAS are maintained as confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Information may be shared internally on a strict need-to-know basis to implement accommodations.
VIII. Service Animals
Students requesting the use of a service animal as an accommodation must complete an application with SAAS. Students must also comply with SGU policies and relevant Grenadian laws regarding registration, vaccination, and restrictions on animals in certain public facilities; and the General Hospital.
IX. Appeals
Students who are denied accommodations or disagree with an eligibility determination may appeal through the Office of Student Affairs. Appeals will be reviewed promptly, and a final determination will be communicated in writing by the Dean of the relevant School.
X. Authority
Office of Student Affairs; reviewed every 3 years.
XI. Version History
(1025006)