Accommodation Request Process
Rhodes students who desire any type of accommodation based on a diagnosed disability should complete the following steps in a timely manner. Current students may request accommodations at any time but are encouraged to meet with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as soon as they become aware of a need.
STEP 1: Submit the online accommodation request form
- Students currently enrolled in classes at Rhodes College should complete this online accommodation request form.
- Newly admitted students, not yet registered for classes, should log into their Admission portal to complete the form.
STEP 2: Submit supporting documentation
Supporting documentation should provide information on the impact of the disability to aid in identifying appropriate accommodations. Documentation may include assessments, reports, and/or letters from qualified evaluators, professionals, or institutions. Common sources of documentation are healthcare providers, psychologists, diagnosticians, counselors, and/or information from a previous school. Below are suggested documentation elements. Contact SAS with questions.
- Typed on office letterhead, dated, and signed by a qualified professional.
- Specific disability or disabilities, including diagnostic codes for DSM-V or ICD-10.
- Date of diagnosis, approximate date of onset, symptoms, severity, and expected progression.
- Description of the current functional impact of the disability.
- Current medications and any side-effects.
- Current and/or past accommodations in high school, college, ACT/SAT.
- Recommended accommodations for the college environment and rationale for each. For medical single room requests, specify how the condition(s) prevent the student from sharing space with another person.
- Name, title, and professional credentials of the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider should be an impartial individual who is not a family member of the student.
STEP 3: Connect with SAS
We value a collaborative process as we work with students. Please schedule a meeting with one of the following staff members to discuss your access needs.
- Schedule with Melissa Butler, Director of Student Accessibility Services
- Schedule with Alexa O’Hara, Student Success Care Manager
SAS will attempt to provide a written response to accommodation requests within 14 business days from the receipt of all necessary information. Students seeking to connect with SAS for accommodations should plan accordingly. Accommodations are not provided retroactively.
Request for Reconsideration
If your accommodation request is denied, you are welcome to submit additional documentation or information to SAS for reconsideration. Please send your new documentation and request for reconsideration to SAS@rhodes.edu.
Appeal Process
If you wish to appeal an accommodation request denial, please send a message to Dr. Nicole Johnson, Vice President of Student Life at johnson@rhodes.edu, within 10 business days of the denial. Included in the message should be a statement giving SAS permission to release information related to your request to the Vice President of Student Life. The decision of the Vice President of Student Life will be considered final.