FAQs

Prospective or accepted students are welcomed and encouraged to contact AES with questions about the accommodation request process. To submit an accommodation request,  incoming first year students or transferer students must be confirmed at the University. 

Continuing students or confirmed first year/transfer students who wish to exercise their right to accommodations (provisions made to allow equal access to University programs) must formally request accommodations through AES.

When determining reasonable accommodations, we consider a variety of information, including:

• our interview/meeting with you,
• your documentation,
• recommendations from other professionals, etc.

Accommodation Plans are unique to the student's needs.

While AES makes every effort to process accommodation requests as quickly as possible, the accommodation process can take up to 2-3 weeks from the time the Accommodation Request is submitted.  The processing time can vary based on a variety of factors including but not limited to:

• the volume of requests that our office is processing;
• the completeness of the documentation provided; and
• timely student action with responding to our communication/questions and signing required releases and forms. 

It is important to note that accommodations are not immediately granted and that we process requests on a rolling basis throughout the year based on order received.  Furthermore, approved accommodations are based upon the evaluation of the request; requested accommodations are not guaranteed.

Historically, we experience our largest volume of requests from the middle-to-end of each semester, and about a month before the Fall semester begins; which makes processing time longer during those periods.  It is recommended that you connect with us and begin the process early.  We appreciate your understanding and patience during these periods.

You need documentation of an approved disability completed by your medical or health provider.  Examples include but are not limited to:

• psychological or educational evaluation report
• completion of our AES-provided disability questionnaire, or
• a letter written by your provider on your provider's letterhead covering the information we need to evaluate your Accommodation Request.  (The questionnaire can serve as a guide for the information we need, if needed by your provider.)

If you are unsure of your documentation, ask our staff when you meet with them as part of the Accommodation Request process. 

Please note that we cannot accept documentation sent by email, fax, or postal mail; documentation must be submitted as a required attachment to the Accommodation Request form.  Additionally, we cannot accept documentation that has been filled out by the student or a student's relative.

No, the provider completing the documentation does not need to be based in Portland.  You are welcome to establish a provider in Portland, but your primary or local provider would be appropriate.  If you are an international student, your local provider is accepted, though, we request that your documentation be translated into English.

We cannot accept documentation that has been filled out by the student or a student's relative.

Some accommodations are time sensitive.  It is recommended that you act as quickly as possible in requesting accommodations, especially, if requesting accommodations that are time sensitive (housing, financial aid, etc.).

Accommodation requests need to be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester.  We will continue to accept and process requests on a rolling basis after that deadline but will not be able to guarantee your request will be processed prior to the start of the semester. 

Time sensitive accommodations approved after their deadline will be applied to the next semester.  Please contact AES if you have any questions or concerns.

All students need to complete the same degree requirements.  However, students with language-based disabilities may request a substitution for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) foreign language requirement as a reasonable accommodation.  This is not a waiver of the requirement.

You will need to complete the AES accommodation request process and be approved for the accommodation.  It is highly recommended that you begin the request process as early as possible for the planning of program requirements.

For students with approved accommodations PRIOR to the start of the semester, Accommodation Letters are sent to students’ University email on the first day of each semester. If you do not receive your accommodation letter contact AES immediately.

For students who have their accommodations approved AFTER the start of the semester, you will receive a copy of your letter once your accommodations are entered into our system.  You should then share your Accommodation Letter with your faculty and make arrangements for supporting your accommodations.

For students with an Accommodation Plan, no, you do not need to renew or reapply for accommodations each semester.  As long as you remain an actively enrolled student, your accommodations will roll over from semester to semester.  (Though, there are some accommodations that have processes that need to be taken each semester/year.)

If you take a leave of absence or go on a non-UP study abroad, you will need to inform us prior to your return to UP so we can reinstate your Accommodation Plan.  This notice is also needed prior to the start of the semester, so that you can receive your Accommodation Letter on the first day of the semester.

Students are always invited to meet with AES staff to talk about how their accommodations are working or to discuss modifying their existing Accommodation Plan.

For students with a Provisional Accommodation Contract, your Provisional Contract has an expiration date and does not roll over beyond the expiration date (see your contract for the end date).  You will need to contact AES to discuss continuing your Provisional Accommodations beyond the expiration date.

Students requesting the Meal Plan Exemption accommodation will need to follow the appropriate course of action below:

New Students Starting at UP for Fall Semester (First-Year/Transfer) - you need to submit your AES Accommodation Request by August 1; we highly recommend that you do so as soon as possible.

Continuing Students at UP Making Initial Request - you need to submit your AES Accommodation Request by June 1, to afford time for the request process and ensure a meal plan charge is not applied to your July invoice.

New Students Starting at UP for Spring Semester (First-Year Deferred/Transfer) - you need to submit your AES Accommodation Request by December 15.

Students who are already approved for Meal Plan Exemption and seeking additional information and guidance, please visit the Meal Plan Exemption page on your Moodle hub.

Our office is located on the first floor of Buckley Center (BC 163).

Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

Our phone number is 503-943-8985

Our general email is aes@up.edu (and we strive to reply to messages within 24 business-hours)

You can also make an appointment with our staff using our online calendars found on our Contact Us page.

Yes! We have social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter (@UPortlandAES). 

It is not a requirement for students to "follow" us and personal documentation/information should not be shared with our social media accounts.

Our posts will be publicly visible and intended to educate, share applicable information, and provide resources while increasing our visibility in the campus community.  We invite all members of the UP community (students, staff, faculty, parents/families, neighbors) to join us!