Course Substitution Guidelines

Disability-Related Course Substitution Request

The Office of Disability Support Service (DSS) provides support for course substitutions on an individual basis when provided with sufficient information that a student’s disability substantially impacts or limits the student from learning a specific subject. All requests are determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended in 2008. Ultimately, granting of a course substitution is at the discretion of the academic department, school or college in which the student’s degree program resides.

Students requesting disability related course substitutions (e.g., math and/or language substitution) must do the following:

1. Register with DSS prior to requesting support for a course substitution. For more information on how to register with the office, please refer to the How to Register page.
2. Provide documentation of the functional impact of the disability on the course subject. Documentation must be provided by a licensed professional and be current and/or explicit of a longstanding condition. Relevant documentation of history of disability may also be considered (i.e., high school transcripts, etc.). Additional documentation may be requested at the coordinator’s discretion.
3. Meet with their Accommodation Coordinator for an informational interview. Students are also able, but not required, to provide a written request of a disability-related course substitution. The following information is likely to be gathered in the informational interview or written request; however, more information may be requested at the coordinator’s discretion:
   • Past and present efforts with course subject as well as grades and study hours spent on subject
   • Resources available and utilized at the university to help with learning (e.g., tutoring, professor office hours, labs, etc...)
   • For math requests: Math placement score, ACT/SAT math scores or standardized test scores
   • Detailed explanation of impact of disability on learning

DSS will decide, based on the above information, if disability warrants a course substitution. Ultimately, it is up to the Office of the Assistant/Associate Dean to assess if course substitutions are reasonable within the student’s curriculum or degree. If deemed reasonable, it is at the discretion of the Office of the Assistant/Associate Dean to work with the student on appropriate substitutions within the college. The student must schedule an appointment to meet with the Assistant/Associate Dean of the college to complete the course substitution process.