Accommodation Resources

Access tools

Students who require assistive technology or access to alternative formats need to contact Accessibility Services to request accommodations. If a student is approved to use assistive technology or needs access to alternative formats for course materials, Accessibility Services will work with the student to gain access to these tools.

Assistive technology refers to tools, devices, or software that enable students with disabilities to engage with educational content and perform tasks that might otherwise be challenging. Examples include screen readers, speech-to-text software, and alternative input devices.

Alternative formats provide materials in accessible forms, such as braille, large print, audio files, and eBooks with accessible features like text-to-speech or adjustable text sizes. These formats adapt standard course materials into forms that are more usable for students with disabilities.

While we strive to provide timely access to all accommodations, there may be occasional delays due to factors such as equipment availability, licensing, or processing times. By initiating these requests early, we can work together to minimize potential delays and ensure you have the support you need for your courses.

Please contact Accessibility Services as soon as you are aware of your needs to allow us the time required to coordinate and secure the appropriate tools and formats.

Notetaking

Students who require notetaking support need to contact Accessibility Services to request accommodations. If a student is approved for notetaking support, Accessibility Services will work with the student to gain access to these resources.

Accessibility Services offers notetaking support to assist students who face barriers to capturing lecture or class information due to disabilities. This service can include peer notetaking, audio recording tools, or access to specialized notetaking software. The goal is to ensure that all students have equal access to classroom content in a format that meets their individual needs.

We encourage students who require notetaking accommodations to contact Accessibility Services as early as possible to discuss their specific needs. Once approved, we will coordinate with instructors and peers, or provide access to appropriate technology, to facilitate notetaking throughout the semester. Notetaking assistance is not a substitute for attending class. Notetaking accommodations are provided by volunteers. If a student is approved for notetaking accommodations and is experiencing difficulties in obtaining notes, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Services.

Please keep in mind that while we strive to provide timely and effective support, securing a peer notetaker or setting up technology can take time. Therefore, early requests are essential to ensure the smooth delivery of this service.

Please contact Accessibility Services as soon as you are aware of your needs to allow us the time required to coordinate and secure notetaking support.

Course substitutions

A course substitution is an adjustment that minimizes or removes barriers related to a disability, providing equal access and opportunity for participation in the University’s courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities.

Course Substitution Policy for Foreign Language

Most students with disabilities can succeed in studying a foreign language. However, Oglethorpe recognizes that students with specific language processing difficulties may be unable to complete the language requirement. Students with documented language-based disabilities may petition the University to fulfill this requirement through faculty-approved course substitutions.

To initiate this process, a student must submit a formal request and provide the required documentation to Accessibility Services. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this request. If approved, the student will receive permission from the Chair of the Division of Foreign Languages to complete two four-credit culture-related courses focused on non-English-speaking areas or language-related courses, such as computer programming, in place of language courses. Examples of eligible courses may include:

• ART 330 Far Eastern Art History – India, China, Tibet and Japan
• CSC 201 Introduction to Programming
• GER 290 Special Topics in German Language, Literature and Culture
• HIS 219 German History Since 1800
• HIS 221 Russian History Since 1861
• HIS 240 Latin America to Independence
• JPN 251 Identity and Nation in Modern Japanese Literature
• POL 231 Asian Politics
• SPN/FRE 406 French and Spanish Crossroads in the Caribbean and Africa

Certain Global Education short-term study abroad courses that do not require language study may also be eligible.

Courses taken as language substitutions may not count toward major or minor requirements and are limited to fulfilling the language requirement; they cannot replace upper-level language courses required by a major. Approval of all courses is at the discretion of the Chair of the Division of Foreign Languages.

Students are encouraged to submit substitution requests early in their academic program to allow adequate time to complete the requirement. Note that Oglethorpe is not responsible for any graduation delays resulting from course substitutions.

Course Substitution Policy for COR-314: Mathematics and Human Nature

Most students with disabilities can succeed in completing the general education math requirement. However, Oglethorpe recognizes that students with specific math learning disabilities and processing disorders may be unable to complete the COR-314 requirement, even with reasonable academic accommodations. Students with a documented math-based disability and/or processing disorder may petition the University to fulfill the CORE math requirement by completing a faculty-approved course substitution.

To initiate the process, a student must submit a specific request along with the required documentation to Accessibility Services. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this process. Students seeking a math substitution should consider the following:

• The math course substitution policy applies only to fulfilling the COR-314 requirement. This policy does not extend to disability-related substitutions for other math courses required for a major, minor, or as prerequisites.

Both the Division IX Chair and Core Director must approve all COR-314 course substitutions in advance. Students should not attempt substitute coursework without explicit approval, as previously completed courses may not qualify for substitution and cannot be applied retroactively. If the petition is approved, the student will receive permission from both the Division IX Chair and the Core Director to take an alternative course in place of COR-314: Mathematics and Human Nature.

Students are encouraged to submit their substitution request early in their academic program to allow adequate time to complete the requirement. Note that Oglethorpe is not responsible for any graduation delays resulting from course substitutions.

Grievance procedures

While Accessibility Services works diligently to provide the most appropriate accommodations possible in a timely manner, students have every right to file a grievance. Oglethorpe University strives to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009 (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Oglethorpe University is committed to resolving disputes related to disability services informally whenever possible. Students who feel aggrieved by actions or inactions of the university or specific individuals are encouraged to address their concerns directly with the relevant party or appropriate university official. Any student who believes that appropriate accommodations have not been provided may file a grievance with the university using the procedure outlined below.

Informal Complaint
Students should first attempt to resolve concerns informally by discussing the issue with Accessibility Services. While verbal discussions are encouraged, students may also submit their concerns in writing (e.g., email or brief statement) to Accessibility Services. The goal of this step is to address issues promptly and collaboratively.

Formal Grievance
If the issue remains unresolved, students may submit a formal grievance by completing this form within 30 days of the incident. The form requires:

• Student’s name and contact information
• Description of the concern
• Relevant facts or supporting evidence

Once submitted, the Director of Equity and Care will review the grievance and provide a written response. The investigation will be completed within thirty (30) workdays of receiving the appeal, with written results issued to the complainant.