Requests

It is the responsibility of students to disclose disabilities to the Center for Disability Services (CDS) at College of Charleston and to request accommodations based on the barriers they have experienced or anticipate experiencing while enrolled. The process for requesting accommodations for The process for requesting accommodations for academics versus housing, for example, varies slightly. See details for each type on the pages listed below.

 

Requesting Accommodations

You can learn more about accommodation requests and also how to submit a request for your Professor Notification Letter (PNL).
  • Academic Accommodations

    1. Submit the Student Application and Upload Documentation:  Log in to Accommodate using a laptop or computer (some features may not be viewable via phone) to complete the CDS Application and upload disability-related documentation. Please access our documentation guidelines if you have questions about what kind of information we may be seeking based on your disability.  Documentation can be securely uploaded in Accommodate.

    IMPORTANT: Please note that you should not delay meeting with us out of concern for not having the right paperwork. We will discuss specific third-party documentation needs during the Welcome Meeting and steps you can take after the meeting. Our first priority is meeting with you, not reviewing the paperwork. Please email CDS@cofc.edu. if you would like to schedule a meeting prior to submitting documentation.

    View these step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application and upload documentation.

    Note:  Inadequate and/or incomplete answers on your application may delay the eligibility review process. Please contact CDS if you are having any trouble accessing the application or uploading documentation.

    Email: cds@cofc.edu
    Phone: 843.953.1431
    Fax: 843.953.7731


    Accelerated Consideration:  Don’t want to wait for a meeting or don’t feel that it is necessary to meet with someone in CDS?

    • Accelerated Consideration is an option for students who want CDS to consider specific accommodations without scheduling a meeting.
    • While you may miss the opportunity to talk with a CDS Administrator about the accommodation process and other resources at College of Charleston, the Accelerated Consideration option can allow you to avoid wait times for meetings and potentially let you receive certain accommodations more quickly.
    • After you submit your application to CDS, you are responsible for reading your emails and following the steps indicated whether you are or are not approved for accommodations through Accelerated Consideration.
    • Within five business days, you will be notified if any accommodations are approved through Accelerated Consideration or if a Welcome Meeting needs to be scheduled.
    • If approved for Accelerated Consideration accommodations, you may still choose to meet with someone later to discuss the accommodation process and other College of Charleston resources. Students may also choose to request other accommodations after approval, which would require a meeting with a CDS Administrator.
    • You must submit your application AND documentation at the same time to use this option


    2. Check College of Charleston email and Follow the Prompts: 

    After you submit your application, CDS will then contact you via College of Charleston email within two business days regarding your next steps. CDS will only send email communications via the College of Charleston email system.

    After our initial application review and unless accommodations are approved through the Accelerated Consideration option, you will receive an email with information on scheduling an initial Welcome Meeting with us. If you are prompted to schedule a Welcome Meeting, keep these tips in mind:

    • It may take a minimum of three weeks to schedule a Welcome Meeting. Students new to College of Charleston are strongly encouraged to request accommodations from CDS as early as possible prior to attending College of Charleston.
    • During the Welcome Meeting, a CDS staff member will talk with you about the academic challenges you are experiencing relative to your disability, reasonable accommodations to address the academic barriers, and potential next steps and accommodation options. Our goal is to keep the meeting relaxed and comfortable.
    • Current College of Charleston students may request accommodations at any time but are encouraged to meet with CDS as soon as they become aware of a need. We do not accommodate retroactively.
    • It may take time after a Welcome Meeting to finalize and facilitate accommodations. For example, providing testing accommodations often requires a seven-business day notice.

     

    3. Questions or Concerns at any Point in the Semester.

    We know that questions, challenges, and concerns may arise. The CDS administrator you met with initially would be happy to answer any follow-up questions. One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting too long to address a concern.

    Email or call your CDS administrator.

    Don’t remember who you met with? You can email us at cds@cofc.edu, call 843.953.1431, or visit our office.


    If you have been accepted to the iCharleston program for the fall semester, please review the FAQ about what steps you should take to begin the accommodation process.

  • Housing accommodations

    College of Charleston provides housing accommodations on a case-by-case basis for students with a documented disability AND a housing contract with Campus Housing, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    The Center for Disability Services (CDS), Campus Housing, and other college partners work collaboratively to provide approved accommodations for students with disabilities to allow for full inclusion in the housing community. The college will prioritize requests based on documented need and space availability. This means, housing assignments are made in accordance with the approved accommodation(s) and specific residence areas or buildings are not guaranteed.

    Requests for housing accommodations must be based on a documented disability and supported by disability documentation that illustrates clear and substantial barriers to being placed in a standard housing assignment. Requests for housing assignments based on student's preference (i.e., particular building, room, or roommate, or access to a quiet study space, etc.), rather than medical necessity, will not be honored.

    Reasonable housing accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

    • ADA equipped room (wheelchair accessible, grab bars, roll in shower)
    • Strobe/Flashing Alarm equipped room
    • Private rooms (student has their own bedroom but shares common spaces, including bathrooms)
    • Semi-private bathroom
       

    Housing accommodation requests must be submitted to CDS and will be reviewed on a yearly basis. Requests can be submitted to CDS at any time; however, for best consideration in terms of availability, requests for housing accommodations for the Fall semester (or full academic year) must be submitted by:

    • February 15 for the fall semester for all returning students
    • May 1 for all incoming students
       

    Requests for housing accommodations for the Spring semester must be submitted by November 15.

     

    • Accommodations for disability-related reasons take priority over other considerations (e.g., preference for specific residential area or roommate request).  
    • Generally, requests for specific roommates are not provided as an accommodation. Follow Campus Housing's roommate group process.  


     

    Requests for accommodations received after the above noted deadlines will be considered on the basis of availability.


    The CDS Housing Accommodation Committee reviews housing accommodation requests to determine what is needed to provide equal access to CofC's residence halls on campus. The Committee engages in an interactive process with the student, Campus Housing, Residence Life staff, and other CofC departments, as needed.
     

    To formally submit a request, a student must:

    1. Complete the Housing Application.
      Complete the standard housing application process through Campus Housing.
       

    2. Submit the Housing Accommodation Request

      I am currently registered with the Center for Disability Services (CDS).

      I am NOT currently registered with the Center for Disability Services (CDS).
      All students seeking accommodations or disability-related supports should follow the registration process with CDS. In order to be eligible to receive accommodations, students must complete a three-step process of self-identification.
       

    3. Submit documentation

      Have the Housing Accommodation Request Provider Form completed by your healthcare provider.

      Students seeking academic accommodations should review our documentation guidelines. In lieu of an evaluation, our Disability Verification Form can be completed by a student's healthcare provider.

    Approval Process

    • The CDS Housing Accommodation Committee meets to review students' request and documentation.

    • A meeting with the student is an important part of our process and is generally required. Meetings are offered virtually or in-person, based on student selection.

    • A determination email is sent to the student's CofC email address.

    • Approved housing accommodations are communicated to Campus Housing.

    • Campus Housing determines the students room assignment based on the approved accommodation(s) and current space availability.

    • Students will be placed on a waitlist if their housing accommodation request is approved but is not available at the time.  They will be moved when a vacancy occurs.

       

    Important Points to Remember

    • Requests for preferred residence halls and/or roommate (s) are not considered through the accommodation process.

    • Students must contact Campus Housing with all inquiries related to features or specifications of their housing assignment.  CDS is unable to provide detailed information regarding residence halls and rooms.

    • Disability documentation provided to CDS will be kept confidential and shared with relevant staff in a discreet manner and only as needed to evaluate the accommodation request.   
  • Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

    College of Charleston is committed to allowing students with mental health/psychological disabilities the use of an approved emotional support animal (ESA), as appropriate, in campus housing to facilitate their full benefit of the residential experience. For students living on campus, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) provides that emotional support animals may be considered a reasonable accommodation in campus housing. Please review our College of Charleston Service and Assistance Animal Policy before proceeding with your request. 

    Students with a disability-related need for an emotional support animal should follow the procedure listed below to begin their request.

    Note:  Housing accommodation requests must be submitted to CDS and will be reviewed on a yearly basis. Requests can be submitted to CDS at any time; however, for best consideration in terms of availability, requests for housing accommodations for the Fall semester (or full academic year) must be submitted by:

    • February 15 for the fall semester for all returning students
    • May 1 for all incoming students
    Requests for housing accommodations for the Spring semester must be submitted by November 15.

    Requests for accommodations received after the above noted deadlines will be considered on the basis of availability.

    The CDS Housing Accommodation Committee reviews housing accommodation requests to determine what is needed to provide equal access to CofC's residence halls on campus. The Committee engages in an interactive process with the student, Campus Housing, Residence Life staff, and other CofC departments, as needed.

    Additional Information

    Students will generally only be approved for one ESA. Evaluating an ESA request takes time. Decisions regarding an ESA request can only be reached after appropriate documentation for the disability has been received and evaluated and a meeting/interview with the student has taken place. Students should allow at least two weeks to complete this process once they have met with a CDS staff member and should not obtain any animal until final approval is given.

    Step 2:  Complete the ESA Accommodation Request.

    I am currently registered with the Center for Disability Services (CDS).

    I am NOT currently registered with the Center for Disability Services (CDS).
    All students seeking accommodations or disability-related supports should follow the registration process with CDS. In order to be eligible to receive accommodations, students must complete a three-step process of self-identification.

    After CDS staff meets with the student, an initial approval may be given for the student to have an ESA. If initial approval is given, the student will then be asked to provide information needed to have the specific animal approved for on-campus living. Updated vet records will need to be submitted by the student to CDS. 

    Note: Consideration may be given to how the animal could impact the style and size of the living space. 

    Requests for unique animals, such as those not commonly kept in households, may require additional documentation which demonstrates a disability-related therapeutic need for the special animal or the specific type of animal. Animals with a potential risk of zoonosis may not be approved.

    Step 5: CDS informs Campus Housing and Residence Life of approval.

    CDS will inform Campus Housing and Residence Life via email once the request for an ESA and the specific ESA is given approval. 

  • Request for Professor Notification Letters (academic accommodation letters)

    Request a Professor Notification Letter (PNL) (academic accommodation letter) for your instructor(s) to use your accommodations

    Important update:  You will now be able to request your accommodations to apply to specific classes. As a result, you will need to request a new letter each semester by completing a semester request within Accommodate.

    Once you have been formally approved for accommodations by a member of the CDSteam, you may request a copy of your Professor Notification Letter (PNL). In this request, you will be able to select which accommodations you would like to apply to each of your classes. We will then email a copy of your letter directly to your official College of Charleston e-mail. It will then be your responsibility to provide your instructor with the PNL as soon as possible (ideally the first week of the semester). We also encourage you to make an appointment to discuss your accommodations with your instructors to work out any important details and arrangements. Please keep in mind, accommodations are not retroactive and will go into effect only after sharing your letter with your instructors.

    How to Request an Accommodation Letter

  • Alternative Testing Site (ATS) appointments

    If you have a testing accommodation, request a testing appointment through the Alternative Testing Site (ATS).

    What is the ATS?

    ATS Sign-up Process

    Expectations when using ATS

    Responsibilities when using ATS

  • Alternative Format Materials Request Form

    Many students who register with CDS are approved for print materials in an alternative format in order to assist them with accessing their course work at College of Charleston. These items may include textbooks, articles, and other various items that need to be formatted so that students may use screen readers, text to speech software, and/or magnification software in order to access their course materials

    Get Alternative Format Materials 

  • Assistive Technology

    Assistive technology accommodations include software and tools to support accessibility needs and are decided upon during a student’s welcome meeting with the Center for Disability Services (CDS). The CDS team is committed to working with each student to identify the most suitable accommodations. Additionally, there are assistive technologies available to all students, regardless of their registration status with CDS. Students are encouraged to explore available resources and email their CDS administrator with any questions.

  • Course Alternatives (specific to foreign language and math GE requirement)

    In certain limited instances where a student has a disability that is so profound that it precludes their ability to meet the foreign language and/or math general education requirement, may petition for course alternative(s). These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

    Foreign Language and/or Math Alternative Course Requests

  • Temporary Conditions

    For students who need to explore temporary conditions (such as for a dominant broken arm/wrist or for a concussion with sustained symptoms): 

    • CDS is available for a consultation to discuss options. 
    • Not all temporary conditions are situations that fall within CDS role to address with accommodations. In some cases, students will need to explore options with professors without CDS involvement. 
    • Facilitation of any accommodations requires reasonable time frames to assess and coordinate. Accommodations may not be able to be facilitated immediately even when temporary situations are new with potentially immediate academic consequences. 
    • No Personalized Transportation Service as an Accommodation: Please note that personal transportation and travel to and around campus are the responsibility of each individual, regardless of personal situation. CDS and College of Charleston do not have any personalized, door-to-door transportation services for students with chronic or temporary conditions.

    Temporary Conditions FAQ's


    Are you unable to complete academic requirements (e.g., note-taking)?

    Communicate first with your course instructors to discuss your situation and how it impacts your ability to complete coursework. 

    • CDS staff may request additional medical documentation including diagnosis, expected duration of the condition, treatment, and limitations (e.g., hospital discharge summaries, doctor’s notes, etc.) if the condition is not readily observable. 


    Are you having difficulty getting to classes or completing assignments?

    • Contact course instructors regarding your medical condition, absences, expected date of return to class, make up, etc. Typically, instructors determine how much flexibility is possible to stay current in the class. 
    • If unable to contact instructors, students or designated individuals should contact: The Office of the Dean of Students.

     

    Do you need medical treatment for your condition?

    • Follow your doctor’s orders and comply with treatment. 
    • Get absence notes and written medical information (e.g., condition, symptoms, restrictions, recommendations, duration, etc.).
    • Contact Student Health Services to investigate on-campus medical services. 

     

    Do you need assistance with parking or travel?

    Please note personal transportation and travel around campus is the responsibility of each individual. College of Charleston is not responsible for providing personalized, door-to-door transportation services for students.  Below are some suggestions relating to assistance with parking and/or travel:     


    Are you experiencing personal, academic, or vocational difficulties?

    Several on-campus resources might be considered:     

     

    Are you concerned about safety or evacuation in case of an emergency?

    Contact College of Charleston’s Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Department of Public Safety if you have questions or concerns about campus evacuation procedures.

    If you live in a residence hall with no elevator and need a temporary re-location due to a temporary mobility condition, please contact Campus Housing. 


    Do you need assistance with food or meals?