Accommodation Appeals

Appeals Procedures 

Students should initiate the appeal process promptly following the decision they wish to appeal. Should a student feel he/she has not been treated in a fair or professional manner with regard to access and accommodations, the student is encouraged to follow the procedures below. The college maintains a philosophy of student self-advocacy and the right to pursue an appeal through the formal appeal process. However, prior to initiating the formal appeal procedure set down below, it is recommended that the student make every attempt to resolve the issue in an informal manner.

Retaliation against persons who file an appeal under this policy, bring complaints of discrimination in good faith, or assist in a related investigation is prohibited.

Informal Procedures

1. The student should discuss his/her concern(s) regarding the determination of disability status or provision of academic/housing adjustments or auxiliary aids and services with the appropriate instructor, department, or office representative directly unless extenuating circumstances prohibit doing so.
2. If a conversation with the appropriate college instructor, department, or office representative does not resolve the issue, the student should then discuss the problem with the Coordinator of Accessibility Services.
3. If the Coordinator is unable to assist in informally resolving the concern(s), the student will be referred to the formal appeal procedure.

Formal Procedures

1. Appeals of decisions regarding the determination or provision of academic/housing adjustments or auxiliary aids and services must be in writing. Students should initiate the appeal process promptly following the judgment they wish to appeal.  
2. The student’s written statement must include: a) a clear statement of the request or concern; b) the grounds on which the appeal is based; c) the date of any action that the student is appealing; d) the names of all Dean College employees involved; e) a summary of the action(s) the student has taken to resolve the matter informally, if any; and f) a statement of the student’s expectation of specific outcome.
3. The written appeal must be submitted to the Assistant Vice President of Academic Support and Career Planning, Wendy Adler: wadler@dean.edu.
4. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Board will promptly conduct an investigation.
5. Promptly following completion of the investigation, the Board will submit to the student and the party against whom the appeal is directed, a final report containing a summary of the investigation and the outcome of resolution.
6. The formal appeal file and the final decision shall be confidential, but the final decision shall be provided to the complainant, the respondent, and the Accessibility Services Coordinator.