The University Of Mississippi's Policies and Procedures For Students With Disabilities

Table of Contents
University Policies and Procedures: Overview
Operating Principles
Rights and Responsibilities
The Office of Student Disability Services: Purposes and Procedures
Mission Statement
Verifying Eligibility for Services
Verification Process
Verification Status
Reasonable Accommodations
Procedures for Requesting Accommodations Each Semester
Procedures for Requesting a Change of Approved Accommodations
Confidentiality and Release of Information
Centralizing Disability-Related Documents
Destruction of Files
Other Sources of Disability-Related Assistance On Campus
Sources of Disability-Related Assistance Off Campus
Training and Technical Assistance
Appeal and Complaint Procedures
Equal Opportunity Statements
Disability Access Statements
Verification Process Flowchart


University Policies and Procedures
Overview
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing for the needs of enrolled or admitted students who have disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

It is the policy of the University that each campus shall make services available for any student who, through a current assessment, can document a disability. The administration will provide appropriate services including, but not limited to) support, counseling, and information, and 2) academic assistance services.

In general, University policy calls for reasonable accommodations to be made for students with disabilities on an individualized and flexible basis. It is the responsibility of students with disabilities, however, to seek available assistance at the University and to make their needs known. The University offices that help to ensure equitable access for students with disabilities are the Office of Student Disability Services and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance. (The Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance is also the ADA Coordinator.) (top)

Operating Principles

On April 11, 1998, the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi approved the following seven operating principles regarding the University and students with disabilities.

1. The University of Mississippi prohibits and actively discourages discrimination against students with disabilities. Toward this end, the University community will continue to develop training and resources to promote sensitivity and awareness of disability issues.

2. The University is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Toward this end, the University will continue to develop and coordinate policies and procedures, and provide services and access to employment, academic programs, co-curricular activities, and facilities.

3. The Chancellor and administrative officers will provide leadership in improving access for students with disabilities and will be responsible for implementing the principles of equal access at the University.

4. The University will organize its disability services in a way that promotes, to the greatest extent possible, self-determination for students with disabilities and that engages the entire campus community in access issues.

5. In order to respect the independence, rights, and dignity of students with disabilities, requesting an accommodation or identifying oneself as having a disability will be voluntary. However, the University has no obligation to make an academic accommodation for a student unless there is prior disclosure by the student of a disability and certification of this disability.

6. The University will treat data on students with disabilities with confidentiality in accordance with data privacy laws and established University regulations. No information will be collected for administrative purposes except information that is essential for program development, implementation, determination of reasonable accommodation, or that is required by law.

7. University administrators, faculty, and staff will encourage inter-institutional cooperation to collect, develop, and disseminate knowledge about creating accommodating environments for students with disabilities.

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Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities at the University have the right to

• equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities offered by the University;

• an equal opportunity to work and to learn, and to receive reasonable accommodations, and/or reasonable auxiliary aids and services;

• confidentiality of all information regarding their disability and to chose to whom, outside of the University, information about their disability will be disclosed, except as disclosures are required or permitted by law.

Students with disabilities at the University have the responsibility to

• meet qualifications and maintain essential institutional standards for courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities;

• identify themselves in a timely manner as having a disability when an accommodation is needed and to seek information, counsel, and assistance as necessary;

• demonstrate and/or provide documents from a licensed professional on how the disability limits their participation in courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities;

• follow published procedures for obtaining reasonable accommodations, and/or reasonable auxiliary aids and services.

Rights and Responsibilities of Faculty and Staff:

Faculty and staff have the right to:

• maintain the academic integrity and standards of all courses and programs;

• determine the essential elements and evaluations standards of their courses and programs;

• receive timely notice from the student of the need for accommodation so that appropriate arrangements can be made;

• discuss with the assistant director in the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) any approved accommodation if it is believed that the accommodation causes a fundamental alteration to the essential elements or evaluation standards of a course or program.

Faculty and staff have the responsibility to:

• provide reasonable accommodations to verified students upon timely request by the student;

• maintain the legally protected confidentiality of disability-related information, except as required by law;

• ensure that a disability statement is written into each syllabus and all other university publications;

• refer students who disclose a disability and request assistance to SDS;

• refrain from retaliation against students who request accommodations or individuals who advocate for accessibility;

• consult with SDS if there are any concerns or questions about a student with a disability or an accommodation request.

Rights and Responsibilities of the University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi has the right to

• identify and establish essential functions, abilities, skills, knowledge, and standards for courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities and to evaluate faculty, staff, and students on this basis;

• request and receive, through Student Disability Services, current documentation that supports request for accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids and services;

• deny a request for accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids and services if the documentation is not submitted in a timely manner (i.e., retroactive requests will be denied), if the documentation fails to demonstrate that the request is warranted, or if the individual fails to provide appropriate supporting documentation;

• select among equally effective accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids and services;

• refuse an accommodation, auxiliary aid or service that imposes a fundamental alteration to a program or activity of the University or that imposes an undue financial or administrative burden on the University.

The University of Mississippi has the responsibility to

• provide information to students with disabilities in accessible formats when reasonable and upon request;

• ensure the courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities, when viewed in their entirety, are available and usable in the most integrated and appropriate settings;

• evaluate students and applicants on their abilities and not their disabilities;

• provide, arrange or assist in securing reasonable accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids and services for students with disabilities in courses, programs, services, jobs activities, and facilities;

• maintain confidentiality of records and communication, except where permitted or required by law. (top)

The Office of Student Disability Services:
Purposes and Procedures

To be eligible for disability-related accommodations, students must have a currently documented disability condition as defined by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973. In other words, the current impact of a diagnosed disorder should "significantly limit a major life activity."

At the University of Mississippi the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) is the designated office that receives and files disability-related documents, verifies eligibility for services, assesses reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for the provision of such accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are provided to ensure access to all University courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities.

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Mission Statement

The Office of Student Disability Services at The University of Mississippi is committed to ensuring equal access to a quality education for qualified students with disabilities through the provision of reasonable academic accommodations and auxiliary aids which support University standards and academic integrity. (top)

Verifying Eligibility for Services

Students who believe they may benefit from academic accommodations because of a disabling condition must complete an intake application and must request that disability-related documents be sent from the appropriate licensed professional to SDS so that this office can a) verify that a student has a diagnosed disorder, b) determine if the diagnosed disorder rises to the level of a disability and, c) assess reasonable accommodations if the diagnosed disorder is determined to be disabling.

The cost of obtaining documentation is borne by the student. If the initial documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability and reasonable accommodations, SDS has the discretion to require additional documentation. Any cost of obtaining additional documentation is also borne by the student.

Requests for accommodation and documentation should be submitted in a timely fashion to allow processing and to insure the best service for the student. Retroactive requests will not be accommodated. For example, if an eligible student requests extended time or a separate testing area on the day of an exam, that student has failed to make a timely request and it cannot be guaranteed that the request will be implemented. Similarly, an eligible student who requests exam accommodations late in a semester will not be offered make-up opportunities for prior exams. (top)

Verification Process

In order for students to receive academic accommodations at the University of Mississippi, their eligibility must be verified. Students requesting accommodations must complete the following verification process

• STEP 1 - Students must be admitted to the University of Mississippi before the verification process can begin. For information about admissions, please contact the Office of Admissions at (662) 915-7226.

• STEP 2 - Students must complete and sign a Student Request for Reasonable Accommodations Intake Application. This application is completed in order to allow the student to voluntarily self-disclose a disorder or impairment and request reasonable accommodations. SDS cannot review any documentation submitted without having a completed and signed intake application on file. Submission of an intake application does not guarantee a determination of eligibility. Students can receive a copy of the intake application by calling SDS at (662) 915-7128 or visiting the office in 234 Martindale Center. Students can also print a copy of the intake application from the SDS web-site at www.olemiss.edu/depts/sds.

• STEP 3 - Students must submit documentation from a licensed healthcare professional which meets the standards detailed in the documentation guidelines. Students can receive copies of the documentation guidelines by contacting the SDS office or visiting the web-site at www.olemiss.edu/depts/sds.

• STEP 4 - Within ten to fifteen working days of SDS's receipt of both the intake application and the documentation, students will receive an initial status report indicating that their request has been verified, that SDS requires additional information, or that their request has been denied.

• STEP 5 - Students who are found to be eligible for reasonable accommodations are required to complete the verification process by attending a series of two meetings at the SDS office during which office procedures and accommodations will be discussed and paperwork completed. SDS will make every effort to schedule these two meeting to happen consecutively in an effort to decrease inconvenience to the student.

• Pending receipt of supporting documentation, SDS reserves the right to deny services and/or accommodations.
  

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Verification Status

Depending upon the type of disorder a student has been diagnosed with and/or the completeness of the documentation submitted, SDS will assign the student one of the following verification statuses:

On-Going - Students who receive an on-going verification have submitted current, complete documentation which confirms the diagnosis of a stable disorder or condition, the impact of which is not expected to change over time, and which supports the need for accommodations. These students will not be expected to submit additional documentation unless they request an accommodation that has not already been approved and which is not supported by the documentation previously submitted.

Annual Renewal - An annual renewal verification is approved for those students who have a diagnosed disorder or condition, the impact of which may change over time. These students will be required to submit updated documentation on an annual basis so that SDS can adjust the verification status and approved accommodations if necessary.

Temporary - Temporary verification status may be approved for students who have submitted some documentation which may confirm a diagnosis but may not be complete or may be out-of-date. These students may be verified on a temporary, semester-long basis, allowing them time to gather the necessary documentation. A temporary verification status may also be given, as resources allow, to students who receive a temporary injury and may need accommodations until the injury is sufficiently healed. These students are verified for the length of time recommended by the treating physician.

Denied - Students may be denied verification for a number of reasons, including but not limited to,

• submitted documentation which does not confirm the presence of a diagnosed disorder
• a diagnosed disorder that does not rise to the level of being disabling
• updated or additional documentation requested that is not submitted,
  
• an applicant who is not admitted as a student at the University
• required verification meetings that are not attended by the student and contact from the student has ceased.

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Reasonable Accommodations

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, activity, or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity. An equal opportunity means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly-situated student without a disability. The University is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified student with a disability. To verify reasonable accommodations, SDS may seek information from appropriate University personnel regarding essential standards for courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities. Final determination of reasonable accommodations is made by SDS.

Reasonable accommodations are determined by using the following analysis:

• Does the student have a currently diagnosed disorder?
  
• Do the current functional limitations of that diagnosed disorder significantly limit a major life activity, thereby rising to the level of a disability?
  
• Is the student "otherwise qualified", with or without accommodations, to participate in the course, program, service, job, or activity?
  
• Is the request reasonable? A requested accommodation is reasonable if the following standards are met:

  a) The accommodation is directly related to the impact or functional limitations caused by the diagnosed disorder.
  b) The accommodation does not lower academic or program standards.
  c) The accommodation does not fundamentally alter the essential elements of the course, program or activity.*
  d) The accommodation does not present an undue financial or administrative burden on the university.
  e) The accommodation does not pose a threat to the health or safety of the student or others.

  *Essential Elements

Instructors and other University staff will be expected to assist in the provision of accommodations when reasonable and necessary; however, they are not expected to compromise "essential elements" of a program, course or activity or the evaluation standards of a program, course or activity.

If it is believed that a particular approved accommodation will fundamentally alter the essential elements of a program, course or activity, the University staff member responsible for the program, course or activity (i.e. the instructor) should contact SDS to discuss the ways in which the accommodation causes a fundamental alteration. The accommodation in question should continue to be provided to the student while the issue is resolved. If SDS finds that the accommodation in question does fundamentally alter the essential elements of the program, course or activity, the student will be notified that the accommodation is unreasonable in this specific situation and the accommodation will be discontinued. SDS will work with the student and instructor to try and identify an alternate accommodation that does not cause a fundamental alteration of the essential elements of the program, course or activity.

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Procedures for Requesting Accommodations Each Semester

It is the responsibility of verified students to request accommodations each semester if needed. SDS does not automatically implement accommodations each semester. Students desiring accommodations should meet with SDS staff after registering for classes. Students will be required to complete a Classroom Accommodations Request form each semester detailing their class schedule and which approved accommodations they are requesting in each class. After completing this form, students will receive copies of the Instructor Notification of Classroom Accommodations form for each instructor.

It is the responsibility of the student to request accommodations from each instructor by delivering to the instructor a copy of the Instructor Notification of Classroom Accommodations form.

Instructors are not required to provide classroom accommodations until a copy of this form is delivered to them by the student. In addition, as previously stated, the University is not required to provide accommodations retroactively. Because of this, it is in the best interest of the student to request accommodations as early in the semester as possible.

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Procedures to Request a Change of Approved Accommodations

Students who have been verified as eligible for accommodations and have been approved for certain accommodations may request additions to or deletions from their previously approved accommodations if they believe a change may be a benefit in the classroom. Students requesting such a change should complete a Request for Change of Accommodations form detailing the requested change and the reasons for the requested change. SDS will review the request, in conjunction with the documentation on file, to see if there is support for the change. In some cases SDS may request additional documentation to support the request. SDS may also arrange to speak with the student in order to gather more information about the reasons for the request. (top)

Confidentiality and Release of Information

SDS is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is kept confidential as required or permitted by law. Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student. This information may include test data, grades, biographical history, disability information, performance reviews, and case notes.

Guidelines for the treatment of such information have been adopted by SDS and are rigorously followed. These guidelines incorporate relevant state and federal regulations, and guidelines established by relevant professional associations.

Disability-related information is treated as medical information is treated. For example, University faculty and staff do not have a right or a need to access diagnostic or other information regarding a student's diagnosis; they only need to know what accommodations are necessary or appropriate to meet the student's disability-related needs. No one has access to student files at SDS except SDS staff. Information regarding a student's disability may be shared with a limited group of University officials on a "need to know" basis, such as when a student is appealing a disability-related decision or citing the disability as a mitigating circumstance in a course or program related issue.

In addition, information in files will not be released except in accordance with federal and state laws, which require release in the following circumstances if a student

• states he or she intends to harm him or herself or another person(s);

• reports or describes any physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults within the last three years (this includes the occurrence of abuse or neglect to the student if he or she was under age eighteen at the time of the abuse); A student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.

A student may give written authorization for the released of information when she or he wishes to share it with others. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the information is being released. Information will not be released without consent unless it is required by federal or state law.

SDS may charge a reasonable fee for photocopying information. SDS will retain a copy of all information provided. If a student wishes to have a record expunged, he or she must make a written request to the assistant director who will decide whether it is necessary for the office to retain the record.

SDS is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is kept confidential as required or permitted by law. Any information collected is used for the benefit of the student. This information may include test data, grades, biographical history, disability information, performance reviews, and case notes.

Guidelines for the treatment of such information have been adopted by SDS and are rigorously followed. These guidelines incorporate relevant state and federal regulations, and guidelines established by relevant professional associations.

Disability-related information is treated as medical information is treated. For example, University faculty and staff do not have a right or a need to access diagnostic or other information regarding a student's diagnosis; they only need to know what accommodations are necessary or appropriate to meet the student's disability-related needs. No one has access to student files at SDS except SDS staff. Information regarding a student's disability may be shared with a limited group of University officials on a "need to know" basis, such as when a student is appealing a disability-related decision or citing the disability as a mitigating circumstance in a course or program related issue.

In addition, information in files will not be released except in accordance with federal and state laws, which require release in the following circumstances if a student

• states he or she intends to harm him or herself or another person(s);

• reports or describes any physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults within the last three years (this includes the occurrence of abuse or neglect to the student if he or she was under age eighteen at the time of the abuse); A student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.

A student may give written authorization for the released of information when she or he wishes to share it with others. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the information is being released. Information will not be released without consent unless it is required by federal or state law.

SDS may charge a reasonable fee for photocopying information. SDS will retain a copy of all information provided. If a student wishes to have a record expunged, he or she must make a written request to the assistant director who will decide whether it is necessary for the office to retain the record.

A student has the right to review his or her own file.

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Centralizing Disability-Related Documents

The University, in consultation with the office of the University Attorney and SDS, has established procedures for retaining any documentation or correspondence related to a student's disability. These procedures are the result of the University's responsibility to comply with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. All disability-related documents are centralized in SDS. Departments or individuals should not keep copies of disability- related documents which they generate.

Any existing information related to a student's disability, including medical reports, should be forwarded to the Office of Student Disability Services, The University of Mississippi, 234 Martindale Student Center, University, MS 38677. (top)

Destruction of Files

SDS will shred student files after they have been inactive for a period of five (5) years. Examples of an inactive file include but are not limited to files for those students who have been denied verification and files of students who have graduated or left the University. Students are encouraged to request a copy of their documentation before the five year period of time passes. (top)

Other Sources of Disability-Related Assistance On Campus

ADA Coordinator

The University's ADA Coordinator is available to assist with issues including, but not limited to, physical accessibility, discrimination concerns, technical assistance, and appeals. The ADA Coordinator can be contacted by calling (662) 915-7735.

Assistive Computer Technology

SDS provides assistive computer technology in its computer lab for students with disabilities who may require such technology. Staff members at SDS can provide training on available technology. Assistive computer technology is also available at the Gaultney Center, which is the main computer lab on campus, as well as at the University library.

Department of Communicative Disorders - Speech and Hearing Center

The University of Mississippi's Speech and Hearing Center staff is dedicated to providing quality care in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with speech, language and hearing disorders. Services include but are not limited to diagnostic evaluation and management services, speech-language therapy, and support groups. All professional staff members are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health and certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. For additional information please call (662) 915-7271.

Individual Offices and/or Departments

The University of Mississippi believes that each department and office on campus has expertise unique to that unit and students are better served by interacting with each individual department according to their needs. For example, students with registration questions should contact the Registrar's Office or their academic advisor; students with questions about financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office and so on. In this way, students receive appropriate information from those with the specific expertise and knowledge to answer the student's question(s).

If a student requires an accommodation in order to access the assistance and/or information provided by one of the office/departments on campus, the student should notify the office/department in advance of what accommodation will be needed. For instance, if a student will need a sign language interpreter during a meeting or will need information provided in an alternate format, the student should contact the office/department in question in advance, allowing that office time to secure the needed accommodation.

Housing

Students who may have disability-related housing needs, and will be residing on campus, should contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life in order to make those needs known. Again, timely notice is strongly encouraged in order to ensure accommodations. The Office of Student Housing and Residence Life may require documentation to support a housing request. They may also consult with the disability specialist at SDS in determining the reasonableness of a request. Students who may have housing needs should call the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life at (662) 915-7328.

Parking

Students with permanent disabilities who may require handicapped parking access will be required to submit a copy of a state issued handicapped placard to the University Police Department (UPD). UPD will then supply a University handicap parking hang tag that will allow the student to park in any legal parking space, including handicapped spaces, on campus. UPD can be contacted by calling (662) 915-7325.

Students who may be temporarily injured and may require special parking for a short period of time will be required to submit a doctor's order requesting special parking to the Student Health Center. For more information contact the Student Health Center at (662) 915-7275.

Those who have questions about the location and availability of handicapped parking on campus should contact the ADA Coordinator at (662) 915-7735.

Psychological Assessment Clinic

The Psychological Assessment Clinic at the University of Mississippi provides evaluations and assessments for learning disabilities, attention disorders, depression and other psychological disorders. Services are provided to students, faculty and staff and community members. There is a fee associated with the evaluations. For additional information please call (662) 915-7253.

Psychological Services Clinic

The Psychological Services Clinic is an outpatient clinic that services undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff and their children, and the residents of Oxford and surrounding communities. Services include but are not limited to family, relationship, and self-concept problems; as well as problems that can be more severe such as depression, drug use, panic attacks, and eating disorders. Please call (662) 915-7385 for additional information.

University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center espouses a philosophy of acceptance and respect, compassion and support for those served. Services include but are not limited to personal counseling and therapy, college adjustment problems, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. The University Counseling Center also offers group counseling and therapy on issues such as parenting, self-esteem, eating disorders and substance abuse. The Center also provides 24-hour crisis intervention services. For more information, please call (662) 915-3784. (top)

Sources of Disability-Related Assistance Off Campus

Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE)

The primary goal of LIFE is to assist in the independent living empowerment of people with significant disabilities by providing or coordinating the provision of support that improves the capacity to live independently, supply information and referral services, provide counseling and guidance, and assist with advocacy and skills training. LIFE can be contacted for additional information by calling (662) 234-7010 or (800) 748-7471.

Counseling/Assessments

There are several professionals in the Oxford community who provide personal counseling and therapy and/or administer evaluations and assessments for learning disabilities, attention disorders and other psychological disorders. The contact information for these professionals may be found in the Oxford phone book. SDS also keeps an updated list of these professionals. SDS staff members will be happy to provide this information if requested. Please call (662) 915-7128 for additional information.

Office of Civil Rights

The U.S. Department of Educations' Office of Civil Rights (OCR) serves student populations facing possible discrimination, which includes students with disabilities, and the advocates and institutions promoting systemic solutions to civil rights problems. The mission of OCR is "to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights." The OCR office for Mississippi is located in Dallas, Texas and can be reached by calling (214) 880-2459. The telephone number for the national OCR office in Washington DC is (800)421-3481.

Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

DRS is a dual state/federal agency whose goal is to assist those with disabilities in gaining or maintaining employment. DRS may provide the following services to those who meet their eligibility criteria: evaluation, medical assistance, assistive technology, educational funding and employment services. For information call (800) 443-1000.

T.K. Martin Center- Mississippi State University, Starkville Mississippi

The T.K. Martin Center provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary evaluations to remove limitations through the application of assistive technology, allowing individuals to participate in educational, vocational and leisure activities to the fullest degree they choose. The comprehensive nature of the services offered ensures that the correct solutions are achieved efficiently and effectively, with needs being met in a one-stop shop.

The staff of the T.K. Martin Center consists of a specialized team of Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Special Educators, and Rehabilitation and Biomedical Engineers. Facilities at the center include adaptive computer laboratories, design and fabrication workshops, a vehicle augmentation lab, a seating and mobility center and specialized evaluation rooms. The fusion of modern facilities and resources with a staff dedicated to the realization of untapped human potential ensures a comprehensive approach with integrated, composite outcomes for persons with disabilities. For further information, please call (662) 325-1028. (top)

Training and Technical Assistance

SDS and the Office of Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance (EORC) can provide training and technical assistance as needed to students, parents, staff, faculty and community members. Whether consultations, presentations, workshops, or comprehensive training programs, provided to individuals or entire units, all training and technical assistance is designed to meet the needs of the University for promoting access.

Staff members of SDS and EORC are authorities in their respective fields. They are able to assess needs, propose programs to meet a unit's objective, and provide the knowledge required to accomplish goals.

Training

Training is available on a variety of disability-related topics, including:

• general disability information
• the Americans with Disabilities Act
• disability awareness
• transition issues
• universal design of instruction
• communication access
• reasonable accommodations
• the disability rights movement
• program and policy evaluation

Customized training and presentations for departments and units can be arranged by contacting SDS and/or EORC.

Technical Assistance

Staff members at EORC are available to review building and remodeling plans and conduct site surveys for University departments and programs to ensure physical access. EORC works closely with Physical Plant. Technical assistance is also provided by SDS staff members for those who have questions about how to implement accommodations or how to make their classroom instruction more accessible. (top)

Appeal and Complaint Procedures

It is important that those with disabilities be aware of the right to appeal academic and/or disability-related decisions that are believed to have been made in error. The University of Mississippi has procedures in place for the appeal of academic decisions (such as grade appeals), for the appeal of disability-related decisions and for complaints of discrimination.

To appeal an academic decision, contact the Registrar's Office at (662) 915-7792 for information. In addition, the academic appeal process is outlined in the M-Book.

To appeal a disability-related decision or to file a complaint about disability discrimination, contact Wilma Webber-Colbert, in the Office of Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance at (662) 915-7735. You can also visit that office in room 217 Martindale Student Services Center.

University policy prohibits retaliatory action being taken against any complainant or any person assisting in the investigation of a complainant who is acting in good faith. Persons who knowingly bring false allegations may be subjected to immediate disciplinary action. (top)

Equal Opportunity Statements

Long Form

Publications originating from the University which are designed to attract employees at any level or to recruit students shall contain the following statement

The University of Mississippi does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by as well as admission to and matriculation at the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in the education programs and activities which it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Pub. L. 920318; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L, 92- 318; respectively, or on the basis of Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act with regard to employment, services and programs.

The required notice(s) is extended to catalogs, course timetables, seminars and program announcements, and other publications designed to apprise members of the University community, and the public generally, of the availability of University programs and activities in which they are invited to participate.

Short Form

The short form may be used for advertising positions, for poster, and in other instances where there is space limitations.

The University of Mississippi is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer.

Inquiries concerning compliance should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance, University of Mississippi, 38677. Inquires also may be made by calling (662) 915-7735. (top)

Disability Access Statements

When planning conferences, events, and activities, have someone in your office or department be responsible for handling request for accommodations. In registration brochures, invitations, or fliers, use the following access statement

—If you require special assistance relating to a disability, please contact (enter name and telephone number of contact person).

Publications, such as course syllabi, college bulletins, program brochures, class schedules, newsletters, and instructional publications must be provided in alternative formats (Braille, large print, tape, electronic) upon request; document conversion may be provided through SDS, (662) 915-7128. In these publications use one of the following statements

—This publication material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact (name, department, address, phone number).

—It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individual basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact their instructors to discuss their individual needs for accommodations. (top)