Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Self-Identify as a Student with a Disability to Admissions?
A prospective student with a disability is not obligated to self-identify prior to admission to the University unless they are requesting accommodations from the University in the admissions process. Upon acceptance, however, incoming students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources as soon as possible. Many accommodations require advanced planning, and early identification of a student’s needs helps to ensure that arrangements and accommodations can be made in a timely manner.
If a student has a second language exemption in high school, will Xavier honor that waiver?
A second language is required as part of the core curriculum. If a student’s disability is such that it impedes the ability to learn a second language, the student can petition to have the second language substituted. Supporting documentation will be needed. In addition, American Sign Language is an option to fulfill the second language requirement.
Can a student request a residence hall near their classrooms for the first year?
All first year housing is within close proximity to most academic buildings but that does not mean that they won’t have a class outside of the Academic Mall.
Can a student choose an advisor who understands learning disabilities?
Academic advisors will be assigned according to major. Students are responsible for informing advisors of a disability. A member of the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources can meet with a student prior to the appointment to discuss credit hours, scheduling of classes etc. but the student will need to meet with the advisor to select actual classes.
Will my Success Coach/Academic Advisor know that I have accommodations?
No, Accessibility and Disability Resources does not inform advisors or coaches of a student’s disability. Only the student can share personal information with others.
Will a student have access to a medical professional on campus to help with anxiety and other mental health concerns?
Xavier University has two options for students to receive counseling. They can meet with a therapist at Counseling Services (513-745-3022) or Psychological Services (513-745-3531).
Do I have to disclose my disability to anyone at Xavier?
You are not required to disclose your disability to the university. However, if you apply to the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources for accommodations you must provide documentation of your disability. If you are approved for accommodations, you will decide which faculty are made aware of your accommodations, and you will decide if you wish to share your diagnosis with anyone. The specifics of your diagnosis will not be disclosed by the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources.
What should I do if I feel I have been discriminated against by my professor, or a staff member at Xavier University, because of my disability?
If you feel that you have been discriminated against by your professor or by a member of the Xavier University staff, contact Accessibility and Disability Resources or the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion to discuss the matter (513-745-3117).
What are some of the services that Xavier’s Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources can offer?
The Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources offers a variety of support services. Please visit our website for more information. www.xavier.edu/disability-services.
When should I submit my documentation?
You are encouraged to initiate the process as soon as you are admitted. If you wait until the start of the semester, your accommodations will not be in place until you have your Accommodation Planning Meeting.
At my last school, I received different or more accommodations than Xavier will grant me. Why is there such a difference in services between Xavier and my last school?
High schools often offer services and accommodations meant to help ensure a student's success. At college, the governing laws dictate that a university simply not discriminate against students with disabilities and provide access to curriculum. As a result, the services that a college provides may be vastly different from those to which you were accustomed in high school.
Similarly, you may find that services at Xavier are different than those you might have received at another post-secondary institution. This is not unusual; colleges may have differing philosophies on accommodations or some schools may be able to offer access to more extensive services.
Is it ever too late to request accommodations?
There are no deadlines for when a student can begin the documentation process to apply for accommodations. However, accommodations will not be provided retroactively after a student is approved for accommodations.
Do I have to use all of my accommodations in every class?
No, you will decide which accommodation you share with each professor each semester. Some accommodations may not be appropriate for all classes. If you choose, however, not to use an accommodation in a given class, then you will not be given the opportunity to retake an exam or to make-up an assignment with accommodations at a later date.
Can I request an accommodation directly from my professor before I have been approved for accommodations?
No one can stop you from requesting accommodations from your professors. However, professors will not grant accommodations unless you have the official accommodation letter from Accessibility and Disability Resources.
Who will inform my instructors about my accommodations?
Students are responsible for promptly emailing accommodation letters to each faculty member. You and your professor should then discuss how the listed accommodations will be implemented.
My professor refuses to give me my accommodations; what can I do?
You should contact the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources immediately. The staff can guide you through the appropriate actions to take and will intercede on your behalf.
How do I apply to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in my residence hall?
You would apply by going to the Emotional Support Animal page on the ADR website. There is an electronic handout that is available that provides the step-by-step process for requesting an ESA.
Confidentiality – Who has access to disability related information?
Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources has access to the documentation you submitted. Information provided to Accessibility and Disability Resources is confidential and will not be shared with other offices.
On my Accommodation Letter, it indicates that I have books in alternate format. How do I request my books?
Students who are approved for Books in Alternate Format must submit a request for individual books through AIM.
On my Academic Accommodation letter, it indicates that I am authorized for note-taking assistance. How do I request notes?
Students approved for notetaking assistance will utilize our online software system, AIM, to request course notes. All notes are uploaded and accessed through this database and is an anonymous process.
I have been approved for testing accommodations, how do I receive these services?
Students approved for testing accommodations can request these services in person in the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources, or online through our software system, AIM.
How to I apply for on campus housing accommodations?
Provide appropriate documentation to ADR. Please be mindful of deadlines. You will also need to submit a housing accommodation form with the Office of Residence Life.