Health Center: Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students with disabilities at the University of Portland have a right to:

• An equal opportunity to learn. They have a right to reasonable accommodations in aspects of their educational experiences, such as location or delivery system, which limit access, participation, or ability to benefit, in order to obtain equal access to the University of Portland’s programs and activities.
• An equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the academic community. This includes access to services, benefits, co-curricular activities, housing, and transportation.
• An opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs offered at the University of Portland.
• Confidentiality of disability and accommodation information on a need-to-know basis.
• Receive information upon request, regarding the availability of auxiliary aids and possible accommodations as well as procedures for making requests for either, through the accommodation plan process.
• An Accommodation Plan and have the plan followed by all parties.
• Grieve a decision or action by University representatives, as outlined in the grievance procedure.

 Students with disabilities at the University of Portland have the responsibility to:

• Initiate services by submitting documentation of the disability and a completed Accommodation Request Form to the OSWD.
• Release information concerning their disability, to the extent necessary for the provision of adequate accommodations.
• Advocate for his or her own individual needs and to seek information, counsel, and assistance as necessary to be effective self-advocates. Seek help early, before your question or problem becomes a crisis.
• Make certain arrangements, including but not limited to:
  • meeting accommodation deadlines,
  • contacting the OSWD in advance to request alternate format textbooks,
  • assisting in locating volunteer note-takers,
  • communicating with professors and the UHC about exam accommodations, and
  • working with Public Safety to develop an emergency evacuation plan, if applicable;
• Maintain the institution’s academic standards and adhere to the Academic Code of Integrity.
• Adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.
• Be reasonable in requests for accommodations.
• Act in a responsible and courteous manner to service providers (e.g., note-takers), faculty, and staff. It is important to be on time for appointments and let the appropriate party know if you are unable to make a class or appointment.
• Contact the OSWD if any problems, concerns, or needs arise.
• Use accommodations responsibly, and ethically.
• Request a review of the Accommodation Plan if there is a change in condition that results in a need for different accommodations.