Fundamental Alteration and Accommodations | Office of Accessibility Resources and Services

Understanding Fundamental Alteration

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.

Instructors are directed to contact OARS when they believe an accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration. OARS and the instructor will have a discussion regarding the nature of the course or assessment to determine if the accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration. Instructors may be advised to contact the student to share this information.

If you are unclear on why an approved accommodation was deemed a fundamental alteration, you should contact your Accessibility Specialist. If the instructor has not discussed the concerns with OARS previously, OARS will initiate a review of the instructor’s decision and ensure understanding between all parties. Our office will work to ensure that the determination is based on a thoughtful, individualized analysis of the course’s essential requirements and that no decision is made arbitrarily. Our goal is to find a solution that both provides you with equal access and upholds academic integrity.

Fundamental Alterations – Process for Concerns

Step 1: Contact OARS. Please reach out to your Accessibility Specialist as soon as possible to discuss any concerns you have about an approved accommodation that is not being implemented by an instructor.

Step 2: OARS will review the decision. Our team will engage in a thoughtful discussion with the instructor to understand the essential learning objectives or components of the course or assessment. If OARS and the instructor disagree about whether an accommodation would fundamentally alter a course, OARS will consult with additional faculty members to support a fair and well-informed decision.

Step 3: Communication. If we determine that the original request would, in fact, fundamentally alter the class, your Accessibility Specialist or Instructor will connect with you to explain the determination. We will work with you to determine if there is an alternative accommodation that provides you with the access you need without compromising the academic integrity of the course.

Our priority is to work with the student and instructor to find a path forward. We are committed to a collaborative process that ensures equal access while maintaining the academic integrity of all HPU programs.