Accommodation Process at a Glance

Please visit the Resources for Students with Disabilities website for full details on student disability services.

The Student Disability Accommodation Request Policy and Procedures explains the accommodation request process, including required documentation. It applies to any disability accommodation request made by any qualified student with a disability regardless of the type of disability and College program or activity in which the student is enrolled and/or participating.

• To begin: Complete the online Request for Disability Accommodation Form and submit supporting documentation.
• After you submit the form: The Accessibility Coordinator will review your request, may ask for additional documentation, and will work with you through an individualized interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.

Important Notes

Students play an active role in the accommodation process. While Kalamazoo College is responsible for providing approved reasonable accommodations that ensure equal access, students are responsible for initiating requests, communicating in a timely manner, and following established procedures so accommodations can be implemented effectively.

• Initiate request. Students are responsible for self-identifying as a student with a disability and submitting a request for accommodations through the College’s established process. A student must complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form.
• Submit documentation. Students must provide supporting documentation as explained in the Student Disability Accommodation Request Policy and Procedures. 
• Participate in the interactive process. Students should respond to communication from the Accessibility Coordinator, attend scheduled meetings, and share information about barriers they are experiencing.
• Communicate with instructors in a timely manner. After accommodations are approved, students are responsible for discussing how approved accommodations will be implemented in each course, at the beginning of the term or as soon as possible after approval.
• Follow procedures for using accommodations. Students must follow College procedures for specific accommodations, including advance notice requirements for testing accommodations, assistive technology, housing-related needs, or other services.
• Report concerns promptly. If an approved accommodation is not working effectively, is not being implemented, or if access barriers arise, students should contact the Accessibility Coordinator or Section 504 Coordinator as soon as possible so concerns can be addressed.
• Meet academic and conduct expectations. Accommodations provide equal access but do not waive essential course requirements, academic standards, attendance expectations, assignment deadlines, or the Student Code of Conduct unless an approved accommodation specifically modifies how a requirement is met.
• Maintain ongoing communication. Students should request changes or additional accommodations if their needs change and should renew or update accommodation requests according to College procedures.

Accommodation Process

1. Employee requests accommodation.
2. Complete the online Employee Request for Accommodation form. Please complete the form to the best of your ability. It will be sent to the Human Resources Department upon submission. This form is to initiate the process of investigating and evaluating your request for accommodation. The form will not be shared with your supervisor without your prior consent. Requests may also be made by contacting the Office of Human Resources at HR@kzoo.edu, first floor of Mandelle Hall, or by calling 269.337.7228.
   • Note: The Office of Human Resources is located on the first floor of Mandelle Hall and may be physically inaccessible to chair users or people with other mobility-related challenges. Please notify Human Resources if you would like to meet virtually or in an alternate location.
3. Together in consultation with Human Resources, the employee obtains medical documentation of their need for an accommodation.
4. Human Resources consults with the employee’s supervisor/Provost’s Office to determine essential job functions and whether the request is to eliminate an essential job function. The nature of the situation (essential job functions, accommodation request, length of time, and other factors) will influence the outcome.
5. The employees, supervisor, and Human Resources will meet to discuss the proposed accommodation, alternative accommodations, and next steps.
6. Human Resources will provide the accommodation decision. Human Resources may continue to evaluate and monitor the need for accommodation. Human Resources may continue to evaluate and monitor the need for accommodation, if warranted.