Office of Accessibility FAQs

• If you have a medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity such as walking, sleeping, eating, breathing, concentrating, self-care, learning, or performing manual tasks, you may qualify for accommodations to provide you with equal access to the activities and benefits of High Point University.   
• If you received accommodations through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, you may choose to request accommodations at High Point University.  Academic accommodations do not automatically transfer over when students begin attending college.  Students who received accommodations in high school must self-identify by formally registering with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS).

Transitioning from high school to college involves a lot of changes for students with disabilities.  Not only does the legislation that defines a student’s disability, functional limitations, and what determines equal access all change, but so does the process by which a student receives and utilizes accommodations.

High Point University (HPU) provides students with disabilities accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disabilities. There are several differences between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (IDEA) which provides accommodations to students in the K-12 school system in which children are afforded a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE). At the university level, students are afforded accommodations by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The differences between receiving accommodations in high school versus receiving accommodations in higher education at High Point University are outlined below:

No, accommodations received in high school may not be appropriate in a collegiate setting, e.g. providing face-to-face instructions, study guides, decreased number of assignments, etc.  Instructions on how to register with OARS and request accommodations are on the OARS Academic Accommodations page.  To apply for accommodations, students must:

• Fill out the OARS Accommodate Registration
• Submit diagnostic documentation that verifies a learning difference and/or other diagnoses as an attachment to the application.  Students may also submit documentation to our department via fax (336-888-6324) or email [email protected].

The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) provides accommodations for each individual student on a case-by-case basis according to their specific functional limitations.  Common accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Extended time on tests
• Testing in a distraction–reduced environment
• Note-taking assistance
• Books in an alternate format
• Interpreting/Transcribing
• Accessible classrooms

No, the presence of a disability will not influence the admission decision. Consideration for disabilities is not part of the enrollment decision.  You should not share your documentation with any entity if you have not committed to attending there.  OARS cannot access and process disability-related information until AFTER a student has been admitted to the University.

Yes!  It is not required, but it is more convenient for students to have their accommodations in place prior to the beginning of classes.

Students requesting academic accommodations will need to register with OARS at this link: OARS Public Intake Form. Students are encouraged to explore the OARS Academic Accommodations page to learn more about documentation requirements. While completing the registration form, students should:

• Fill out the OARS Accommodate Registration
• Submit diagnostic documentation that verifies a learning difference and/or other diagnoses as an attachment to your application. You may also submit documentation to our department via fax (336-888-6324) or email [email protected].

OARS does not require documentation to be within a specific time frame; however, OARS makes determinations based on the most relevant, timely documentation available. If you suspect your disability-related functional limitations have changed over time, we recommend having updated diagnostic testing completed so that our team has an accurate picture of your current needs to make informed decisions related to your reasonable accommodations.

No. For our purpose, a qualified medical professional is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the disability. We recommend you get established with another provider who can provide documentation that substantiates your disability-related needs.

Once you have submitted your online registration and verified documentation, an Accessibility Support Specialist will meet with you and review your request to determine appropriate reasonable accommodation(s). You will receive an official eligibility letter of accommodation(s) for which you are approved or deferred via your High Point University email. If your reasonable accommodation request is deferred, the eligibility letter will include the reason for the deferral decision and the steps to appeal the decision.

All students are required to take foreign language 1010 and 1020 unless approved by OARS for a foreign language substitution accommodation. Only students with documented substantial functional limitations specific to learning a foreign language are eligible for a foreign language substitution (FLS).  Note: Some students may not qualify for an FLS accommodation in college, even though they received a foreign language waiver in high school. FLS must be specifically requested by the student, as course substitutions do not come automatically.

To be considered for a foreign language substitution, students must submit the following:

• OARS Accommodate Registration, if not yet registered with OARS.
• Send in your most recent psychoeducational evaluation.

Students who are already registered with OARS should submit a Supplemental Request to request FLS as an accommodation.

An instructor cannot deny your accommodation unless the implementation of the accommodation results in a fundamental alteration to the nature of a program, service, or activity.  This means that while accommodations may be provided to ensure equal access, we cannot modify the essential academic standards or the core competencies required for a course, program, or degree. OARS will work with the instructor to make informed decisions regarding fundamental alteration.

To learn more, explore Understanding Fundamental Alteration.

If this is your first time requesting accommodations through OARS, you will need to register with our office. Please see #3 for more information on this process. If you are already registered with OARS, you should follow the directions below:

1. Log in to Accommodate using your HPU username and password.
2. Select Accommodation on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Select Supplemental Accommodation Request and answer the questions accordingly.
4. If you are requesting housing accommodations for the first time, you must submit documentation using the OARS Accessible Housing Form.

The Request for Accessible Housing Form should be completed by a licensed professional familiar with your care and needs. This documentation should include a diagnosis with the accompanying symptoms and characteristics specific to you, recommended accommodation(s), and how the recommended accommodation(s) will address the functional limitations caused by the diagnosis.

Please review the documentation criteria for additional information regarding housing accommodations at High Point University.

NOTE: If you do not utilize the ADA housing placement offered by the Office of Student Life, and decide that you would like to apply your housing accommodations for the next academic year, you must contact OARS to notify us of your intention to utilize the accommodations prior to February 14^th.

OARS no longer requires annual renewals of housing accommodations. If you have utilized your ADA housing placement assigned by the Office of Student Life, there is no additional actions required of you. If you did not utilize the ADA housing placement offered by the Office of Student Life, and decide that you would like to apply your housing accommodations for the next academic year, you must contact OARS to notify us of your intention to utilize the accommodations prior to February 14^th.

You have the option to work with roommates, suitemates, and Residence Life to consider other housing options that are available. All concerns with living with an animal will be handled by the Office of Student Life.

High Point University does not allow pets. Students with a documented disability who utilize an ESA to mitigate their disability-related functional limitations can request to bring their ESA to campus. To apply for an ESA, students must:

• Complete the OARS Accommodate Registration (if not yet registered with OARS) or submit a Supplemental Request through Accommodate (if already registered with OARS).
• Submit ESA In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact information during the request process within the Accommodate Portal. This will require the Resident to identify an off-campus person, who is not a current HPU student, who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under Section VI of the ESA Policy. The ICE contact should be able to get to campus and retrieve the animal within the business day of contact (if needed).
• Review and sign the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.
• Participate in an interactive meeting with an Accessibility Specialist to review the request.
• Submit the ESA Documentation Form (which you will receive at the time of your meeting with the Accessibility Specialist) completed by a qualified medical or mental health professional.**
• Submit up-to-date veterinary records of your animal’s immunizations, flea and tick treatments, and/or wellness visit.
• Submit a current photo of your ESA.
• Follow official approval, obtain an ESA tag and door decal.

** A qualified medical professional, for our purposes, is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the student’s disability. The student must either be a current patient of the professional or have a documented established history of treatment.  Each question on the required forms must be completed by the medical professional.**

Deadline for ESA Approval: 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester or academic year.

The ESA approval is applicable for the student’s entire time at HPU as long as the student complies with the ESA Rules & Responsibilities, therefore renewals are not required.

The student is responsible for submitting updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services prior to the expiration of the current records (or anniversary date of ESA approval if vaccinations are not required for the animal). In the event that the student fails to submit updated records, OARS will file an ESA violation report, and the ESA will be deemed unauthorized. Updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports can be uploaded to the student’s Accommodate account.

The student is also responsible for maintaining accurate In Case of Emergency records with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. If the In Case of Emergency contact changes, or their contact information changes, the student must submit the updated information to their Accessibility Specialist.

Upon a student’s initial approval by OARS, a decision letter will be sent to the student’s High Point University email.   Each semester you are responsible for requesting your accommodations, identifying yourself to your instructors, and discussing the implementation of your accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to utilize those accommodations as needed.  Neither OARS nor the Professors will “remind” students to use their accommodations.

It is essential to request your academic accommodations be submitted to your instructors as soon as possible because accommodations are not provided retroactively. You must meet with each instructor to discuss how your accommodations will be provided in the classroom and during exams. The process to electronically request your accommodations using Accommodate is below:

1. Log into Accommodate using your HPU username and password.
2. Select Accommodation on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. Select Instructor Notification Request.
4. Select add new.
5. Select the semester.
6. Select submit for all OR select review to select which courses you want to utilize accommodations.
7. Meet with each of your instructors as soon as possible to discuss how you will use your accommodations in their class. You must meet with each instructor to ensure your accommodations are furnished for each class.

NOTE: Once a semester request is submitted, a copy of your letter will be sent to your faculty to review via Accommodate.

• Please note: if you add a new class after submitting a semester request, you will need to submit a new request in order for letters to be sent to your new faculty.

Requesting notifications to be sent to instructors must be done every semester for each of your class. When your Notice of Student Accommodations is emailed to your instructor(s), you will also receive an email sent to your HPU email address.

No. In most situations, reasonable accommodations are granted on a permanent basis while you are an enrolled student at HPU. If your disability-related limitations change, you should connect with your Accessibility Specialist to determine if you need additional accommodations. However, you are required to submit notifications of your accommodations to your professors each semester. See question #5 for more information on this process.

At the beginning of each semester, after submitting notifications of your accommodations to your instructors, you should discuss with each professor (possibly via email or during their office hours) how you will use your accommodations in each specific class. It is your responsibility to submit notifications and use your accommodations each semester. If you believe that you are not receiving your accommodations appropriately, contact your Accessibility Support Specialist at 336-841-9026 or by email at [email protected]. We are here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Students must log in to their Accommodate Portal and schedule an exam at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date and at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date. Students may schedule an exam by clicking “Testing Room” on the left-hand side of their OARS Accommodate Portal.

Accommodations are NOT retroactive. It is important to request your accommodations at the beginning of each semester. Accommodations are only provided AFTER you have requested OARS notify your instructors of your approved accommodations and have met with your professors to discuss your accommodations.

No. The choice to use your accommodations is completely up to you. OARS strongly suggests that you always request notifications of your accommodations be sent to your instructors for every class at the beginning of each semester so they are in place and ready to use should you need them.

OARS does not provide or arrange for tutoring for students.  However, tutoring is available for all students through Academic Tutoring Services.  HPU has a great peer tutoring program under the direction of Dr. Craig Curty.  Students can request a peer tutor for most 1000 and 2000-level classes through Academic Tutoring Services.  The Writing Center is available to all students, as well as the Math Lab, which takes place 3 days each week from 11:30-1:00 under the direction of various math professors.

No. Submit a Supplemental Accommodation Request through your Accommodate Portal or schedule an appointment with your assigned Accessibility Specialist by calling 336-841-9026 to discuss the additional accommodations you think you need. In some cases, your Accessibility Specialist may request additional documentation to support your request.

Yes! OARS can assist students who need temporary accommodations due to an accident/illness or a short–term disability.  These are addressed on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact the OARS at 336-841-9026 or [email protected] for assistance. 

The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) has created a Parent Corner with information that will help you support your student in the transition from high school to college.

No. Students are welcome to come to or contact OARS at any time during regular business hours for assistance or questions regarding their accommodation(s). Accessibility Specialists do not reach out to students on a regular basis; however, students can meet with them as often as necessary. Appointments can be scheduled, or students can utilize walk-in hours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am-12 am and 1 pm to 4 pm.  The responsibility to request, implement, and get assistance with accommodation(s) is that of the student. 

No. For our purpose, a qualified medical professional is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the disability. We recommend you get established with another provider who can provide documentation that substantiates your disability-related needs.

In accordance with ADA Title III Regulations (28 C.F.R. § 36.302), High Point University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations that offer equal access to all students. However, accommodations cannot fundamentally alter the nature of a program, service, or activity. This means that while accommodations may be provided to ensure equal access, we cannot modify the essential academic standards or the core competencies required for a course, program, or degree.

If your student has an approved accommodation and it was deemed a fundamental alteration by the instructor, they should contact their Accessibility Specialists. OARS will initiate a review of the instructor’s decision and ensure understanding between all parties.

To learn more, explore Understanding Fundamental Alteration.

It is imperative to include all the learning outcomes of the course as well as the format in which students are required to demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes. Please describe all requirements related to labs, clinicals, class participation, and/or other class experiences that must be completed with specific dates and/or related timelines.      

You must include a statement on your syllabi instructing students on how to request accommodations in your classes.  An example of information to include on your syllabi is below:  

“High Point University is committed to ensuring all students have equal access to all services and benefits while at High Point University.  If you are a student with a disability and require academic accommodations due to a diagnosed disability, you must register with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) and submit the appropriate documentation.  Requests for accommodations should be made at the beginning of a course.  Accommodations are not retroactive.  Contact OARS at [email protected] or by telephone at 336-841-9026, for additional information.  OARS is located on the 4th Floor of Smith Library.”  

If a student has requested accommodations in your class, you will receive an email from OARS detailing their specific accommodations in your class.  Students must request their accommodations at the beginning of every semester for every class.  If students request any accommodations which are not addressed on their official accommodation letter from OARS, please refer the student to OARS for review of their approved accommodations. 

You can also view students’ accommodations through your Accommodate Portal.   

ONLY the approved accommodations listed on the letter from OARS or in the Accommodate Portal are to be honored by the instructor.  Although you may have received an accommodation notification on behalf of a student in a previous class and/or semester, you should not under any circumstances provide accommodations until you receive a notification from OARS specifically for the current class and/or semester, and the student has met with you to discuss the implementation of his/her accommodations.  

Accommodations provided by faculty without authorization from OARS are legally considered University authorized accommodations even if the student doesn’t have documentation substantiating their need for the accommodation.  Such circumstances open the University to possible litigation, as the student would have an established history of being considered a person with a disability and eligible for such accommodation(s).  Consequently, it is inappropriate to provide any accommodations that are not authorized by OARS.    

If you have not received a student’s accommodation notification letter, or a student requests an accommodation that is not on their approved accommodation notification letter, please have them contact OARS as soon as possible at [email protected] or by visiting during walk-in hours, located on the 4th floor of Smith Library, to properly request their accommodations for the current term.  

The decision to utilize accommodations is completely up to the student.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor or OARS to remind students to use their accommodations. 

Any student with accommodations for extended time testing, distraction-reduced testing setting, reading software, etc. are welcome to take any and all exams (this includes tests or quizzes) in the testing center.

When a student with academic accommodations would like to place an exam request, they must log in to their Accommodate Portal and schedule an exam at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date and at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date. When exam requests are submitted late, the student is responsible for informing the professor that they wish to take the test with OARS and for having the professor send the exam to OARS.

IF you can proctor the exam for the student’s extended time that is great! However, if you are unable to do so, the student must request to schedule a test with OARS by visiting their Accommodate Portal at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date, at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date.

If the student is registered through OARS and is approved for academic accommodations, OARS can host the exam. OARS only provides testing resources to students who are registered for academic accommodations. The only students who can take tests with OARS are students with approved and active accommodations.  

Instructors must indicate how they can be reached for questions during the exam (i.e. email, text, phone call) on the Alternative Testing Agreement form. The link to the Alternative Testing Agreement form is included in the Notification of Academic Accommodations email to the instructor.

If the textbook is available for purchase, then the student will work with the Technology Specialist to obtain an accessible copy. Students must request each textbook and provide proof of purchase before receiving an alternative format. If you require students to read supplemental material that is not in the required textbook, advise the student to contact OARS to request for the materials to be reformatted.   

Yes.  However, quizzes, particularly “pop quizzes”, can be difficult to assure the student receives their accommodation.  Please contact OARS and we can assist you in creating a plan of action.  

Students who utilize reading software for exams may need to take their exams in the OARS Testing Center in order to utilize reader software. Reader assistive technologies are integrated into Blackboard, but paper exams require special consideration to ensure that the exam can be read aloud. If a student needs to test in OARS, the student must book a test room three business days advance notice for exam/quiz accommodations or six business dates for midterm/final accommodations to allow OARS time to contact faculty to obtain a copy of the exam, reformat it if necessary, and have it ready for the student to take in the testing center.

Yes. Students with various disabilities may have functional limitations that inhibit their ability to take detailed, beneficial, constructive notes during lectures.  Students may utilize assistive technologies to record lectures, and incorporate any class handout or other materials, as well as their own notes they take during class if they have approved accommodations. Examples of assistive technology programs and devices include, but are not limited to; Glean, One Note, and Otter.ai.

You should require students to meet with you to discuss the implementation of their accommodations before allowing the use of electronic note-taking technology in the classroom. Students are NOT permitted to share the lectures, recordings, or files with anyone.  Students who receive note-taking assistance and use of a computer for lecture notes as accommodations are required to sign a copy of the Recording Lecture Agreement form through their Accommodate Portal. 

Some students with disabilities may receive consideration for absences as an approved accommodation.  Students with this accommodation have provided documentation substantiating their medical condition and how it may sporadically interrupt their ability to participate in daily activities.  OARS will work with faculty to complete the Consideration for Absences Course Agreement Plan and will be share the finalized agreement with the student.  At OARS’ request, faculty are expected to submit a completed Consideration for Absences Agreement along with their course syllabi for review. Students are responsible for all information missed and assignments due.  There may be some class activities such as labs, presentations, etc. that cannot be replicated and will need to be addressed on a case–by–case basis.   

Yes! If students only require testing accommodations that you can provide such as extended time, a distraction-reduced environment, a computer for essay exams, etc., you are able to proctor students using their testing accommodations. However, if students require accommodations such as reader software or voice dictation, it may be necessary for them to utilize the technology resources in the OARS Testing Center. OARS is always available to host students taking exams with accommodations during OARS testing center hours (8:00 am – 9:00 pm). Students must log in to their Accommodate Portal and schedule an exam at least 3 business days before the exam/quiz date, and at least 6 business days before the midterm/final date.