Students who would like to receive academic accommodations while enrolled at High Point University must self-identify as a student with a disability by formally registering with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS). Registration, documentation, and participation in an interactive process are required for all requested accommodations.
The interactive process involves the student meeting with an Accessibility Specialist and discussing the student’s academic concerns while attending High Point University. The Accessibility Specialist will review the submitted documentation after meeting with the student and take into consideration what was discussed during the meeting. Once the Specialist has reviewed the documentation, the student will receive an eligibility letter with the approved accommodations.
Students with approved academic accommodations must request their accommodations at the beginning of each semester. Accommodations are NOT retroactive. Therefore, students must be proactive by requesting accommodations at the beginning of each semester and/or academic school year.
Academic Accommodation Documentation Criteria
High Point University (HPU) is committed to providing reasonable and effective accommodations to individuals with disabilities. The legal definition of disability is a mental or physical condition that substantially limits a major life activity compared to most people. Substantial in this context is somewhat subjective but means a notable, significant, meaningful limit/difference to the manner in which the individual engages in the activity, the conditions necessary for them to engage in the activity, the duration for which they can engage in the activity or the frequency which they engage in the activity. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and the proper functioning of major bodily systems.
Documentation Elements:
- Qualifications of Medical Provider:
Documentation must be typed on official letterhead, dated, and signed by a qualified medical professional. The provider must be licensed or certified in the field relevant to the student’s diagnosis. The documentation must include the provider’s name, title, and license/certification credentials. Please note that documentation from family members or individuals with a close personal relationship to the student will not be accepted. - Diagnosis and Medical History:
Provide the diagnosis, including the official ICD or DSM code, along with any relevant personal, medical, developmental, educational, or psychosocial history. - Description of Diagnostic Methodology:
Provide a detailed explanation of how the diagnosis was made, including data and results from any evaluation tools used. The results should clearly show how they support the diagnosis and the student’s functional limitations. For cognitive disorders, evaluations should be based on adult norms. - Current Impact and Functional Limitations:
Documentation should explain how the student’s diagnosis currently affects their access to academic and/or residential programs. Information should include whether symptoms are constant or episodic, how often they occur, and how long they last (frequency, intensity and duration). The explanation should show how the condition substantially limits a major life activity or bodily function. Include any treatments, medications, or assistive devices being used, along with their effects and possible side effects.
Insufficient Documentation for Accommodations:
- A brief note from a physician or health professional requesting an accommodation.
- Information or notes written on a prescription pad or aftercare instructions issued to the student.
- Reports or letters that only mention “problems or challenges” without outlining a clear learning disability diagnosis, evidence of significant functional limitations, or a history of accommodations are not considered comprehensive.
- Screening tools or rating scales (e.g., QbCheck, CNS Vital Signs) are not accepted as the only form of documentation to substantiate the need for accommodation.
Please submit all documentation to the High Point University Office of Accessibility Resources and Services via Email: [email protected] or by uploading the documentation to your Portal.
If you have questions, please call the High Point University Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at 336-841-9026.
Click here to access documentation requirements for requesting accommodations.
TO REQUEST ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
- Complete the OARS Accommodate Registration. Please state the requested accommodations and provide a summary of previous accommodations. This form also authorizes the OARS Staff to release disability-related information to campus officials as necessary. PLEASE NOTE: when applying for accommodations, you will be asked for your HPU email and password to access the site.
- Provide appropriate documentation. Please review the Documentation Criteria for Academic Accommodations.
- OARS Accessibility Support Specialists will contact the student (via their HPU email) to meet with them and discuss their academic concerns while attending HPU.
- After meeting with the student, OARS Accessibility Specialists will review the student’s documentation to determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations taking into account the conversation they had with the student.
- The student will be notified of their approved accommodations via an eligibility letter sent to their HPU email.
– Note –
- Each semester students must request accommodation letters be sent to their instructors to notify them of approved accommodations.
- Accommodations are implemented in coordination with OARS staff & classroom professors.
Has it been a few weeks, and you feel like your accommodations need some adjustments? No problem! Schedule a meeting with a member of our OARS team, and we are happy to sit down and discuss any changes that need to be made.
