Faculty & Staff Frequently Asked Questions
Are all students with disabilities registered with the Disability Resource Center?
No. It is possible that a student with a disability has chosen not to register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC), or may not have met the eligibility criteria for services. In either instance, faculty do not need to provide accommodations for those students.
Who is responsible for determining reasonable accommodations?
The DRC is the only office on campus that determines appropriate accommodations. Decisions regarding accommodations are based on documentation provided by the student with a disability, as well as the student's functional limitations.
When is a student required to notify me of a need for accommodation?
The DRC encourages but does not require registered students to meet with the instructor at the beginning of each semester to discuss their accommodations. However, a student can register with the DRC or present their Letter of Accommodations to you at any time during the semester.
Am I allowed to request documentation from the student for any reason?
No. Documentation stating and describing a student's disability is confidential information. All documentation for students registered is kept within the DRC.
Do I have any recourse if I disagree with the requested accommodations?
Yes. You should contact the DRC to discuss your concerns via email DRC@uncw.edu or by phone 910.962.7555.
If a student discloses a disability midway through the semester, am I required to accommodate previous work submitted in the course?
Accommodations are not retroactive. Students are encouraged to disclose their disability early in the semester so that the necessary accommodations can be implemented and it is the student's responsibility to do so. You are not required to accommodate previous coursework that has been submitted for evaluation.
Am I required to lower standards of a required assignment because the student has a disability?
No. The standards should be the same for all students. However, some students with disabilities may exhibit their knowledge, production or other course expectations differently than their peers. Accommodations are designed to address those differences, but the quality of the end result should be the same.
I have a student with a disability who is getting behind in their coursework. The student is missing a number of classes and has not handed in several assignments. Although they have taken a midterm and used accommodations, their grade is a D. At this point they are not passing the class. Do I have the right to fail a student with a disability?
The student with a disability has the same right to fail as anyone else. Work produced by the student should be equivalent to their peers. Provision of accommodations is no guarantee of academic success.
I have a student who is having difficulty in my class. I think this student may have a disability. What should I do to help the student?
Talk privately with the student to discuss your observations. Do not assume that the student's difficulties are a result of a disability, but if, through discussion with the student, it appears appropriate to refer the student to one or more campus resources. If the student discloses that they do have a disability, suggest the student contact the DRC to explore options for accommodations.
