Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are modifications to the environment, curriculum format, or equipment used to access the content of a class and/or complete assigned tasks. They do not alter what is being taught. These accommodations are available to qualified students through the Office of Accessibility.

Instructions for New Students Instructions for Returning Students Testing Accommodations FAQs

Instructions for how to request academic accommodations are outlined below for both new and returning students.

Students with disabilities who have recently been admitted to Champlain College should complete the following steps to request academic accommodations. Requests for academic accommodations may be submitted past the deadline, if needed.

All disability accommodations are determined through an interactive process that requires the engagement of both the student and OA staff. Students need to be aware that it could take between 1-3 weeks, sometimes longer, to receive and implement any type of accommodations. Once accommodations are established, they are applied from that point forward and are not retroactive, so planning ahead is important.

New Student Instructions

Returning Student Instructions

Returning students with disabilities should contact the Office of Accessibility each semester to request academic accommodations for their classes. Here is how the process works:

  1. Students respond to an email from the Office of Accessibility.
  2. Students may approve accommodations digitally (via email or form response) or request a meeting to discuss their accommodations.
  3. A letter of accommodation is sent to the student’s instructors. Students should arrange to meet with their instructors to discuss their accommodations.

Note that academic accommodations need to be requested and approved each semester.

If you are a returning student who has not previously requested academic accommodations, follow the New Student Instructions above.

Contact the Office of Accessibility

Need to Change a Current Accommodation?

If you are a current or returning student requesting new or additional accommodations, please make an appointment to meet with a member of the Office of Accessibility.

Contact Us

Making Requests in a Timely Manner

Advanced planning is needed to ensure the timely provision of appropriate accommodations. No student will be excluded from a program due to lack of appropriate services; however, all services may not be available at all times. For this reason, it is important to allow sufficient time for a program and/or the College to put into place the needed accommodations of auxiliary services.

If a request is submitted after the deadline, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the request but cannot guarantee that an untimely request can be met. Ultimately, requests may result in delay, substitutions, or denial of accommodation or service.

Accommodations in High School vs. College

How do accommodations in college differ from services in high school?

In college, students with disabilities must self-advocate and take steps to arrange their academic support:

  • Students must self-identify to the Office of Accessibility
    • locate the office that provides accommodations,
    • identify themselves to the office,
    • request accommodations, and
    • provide appropriate professional documentation that substantiates the need for accommodations.
  • The primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the student.
  • Students must initiate contact with each of their instructors regarding their approved accommodations.
  • Students must independently seek out tutoring resources. Champlain provides free academic coaching and peer tutoring.
  • Students must manage their own time and complete assignments independently.
  • Students should expect to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each credit hour in class.

Adapted from AHEAD Guidelines 2010

  • 

    High School College
    I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990)
    Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    I.D.E.A. is about success A.D.A is about access
  • 

    High School College
    Parents/guardians have access to student records and can participate in the accommodation process Parent does not have access to student records without student’s written consent
    Parent advocates for student Student advocates for self
  • 

    High School College
    I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan and/or 504 Plan) High school I.E.P. and 504 plans are not sufficient. Documentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability.
    School provides evaluations at no cost to the student Student must get an evaluation at their own expense
    Documentation focuses on determining whether the student is eligible for services based on specific disability categories in I.D.E.A. Current documentation must provide information on the specific nature of the condition or disability, functional limitations, and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations
  • 

    High School College
    Teachers may modify curriculum and/or alter the pace of assignments Instructors are not required to modify curriculum design or alter assignment deadlines
    Students are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed, and often re-taught, in class Students are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class
    Students seldom need to read anything more than once, and sometimes listening in class is enough Students need to review class notes and text material regularly
  • 

    High School College
    I.E.P. or 504 plans may include modifications to test format and/or grading Grading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. How tests are given (extended time, test proctors) are appropriate academic adjustments when supported by disability documentation
    Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material
    Makeup tests are often available Makeup tests are rarely an option, without permission from the instructor
    Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates Instructors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Several federal laws ensure equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities:

    • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a federal civil rights law that provides equal opportunity for people with disabilities and protects them
      from discrimination.
    • The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 broadened the scope of the ADA to extend protections to more individuals.
    • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial
      assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

  • No, accommodations do not automatically transfer from high school to college. However, sharing information about your IEP or 504 Plan can be very helpful as we work with you to establish appropriate accommodations.

    The college experience differs significantly from high school. Our office will work with you to determine which accommodations are appropriate for your specific needs and environment. While some accommodations may be similar to what you had in high school, others may change based on your needs in a college setting.

  • The information in an IEP, 504 Plan or Transition Plan may be appropriate documentation. A student may also wish to include a psycho-educational evaluation report/neuropsychological evaluation as supportive documentation. Please note: A student must request this information separately from their request for high school transcripts. The documentation should be sent to Champlain College’s Office of Accessibility.

  • Yes. It is the student’s responsibility to request that their accommodations be sent to their instructors every semester. This allows the student to self select if they would like to use accommodations in each course. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that their letter of accommodation has been received and to discuss the accommodations requested with each instructor.

  • Below is a list of common academic accommodations (this list is not comprehensive):

    • Extended time on quizzes and exams (50% or 100%)
    • A reduced distraction environment in which to take quizzes and exams
    • Extensions on assignments (1-2 days)
    • Note-taking assistance and/or the use of a recorder in class
    • Flexibility of attendance
    • Presentation accommodations
    • Alternative Format Services (print materials, alternative format books
    • Communication Access Services (Transcription or captioning)
    • ASL Interpreting

  • If you have a temporary condition or disability and require temporary accommodations, contact the Office of Accessibility and speak with our staff about your needs. The Office of Accessibility will request current, comprehensive, professional documentation of your temporary condition or disability and may ask to meet for further discussion of your needs.

    For very short-term needs where the formal accommodation process would take longer than the student requires support—such as concussions or recovery from brief medical procedures — temporary accommodations are handled directly by the Dean of Students. Faculty should expect communication from the Dean of Students if a student in their class has temporary accommodations, which typically last only a few weeks during the semester.

  • Champlain College has many academic resources available to support all students. It is up to the student to take responsibility to access the available resources. One resource is Champlain’s Academic Coaching & Peer Tutoring, which provides free academic coaching and tutoring services to Champlain students.

Testing Accommodations for Students

Testing accommodations are available to qualified students through the Office of Accessibility.

student working from home

Students must speak with their instructor(s) about their testing accommodations at least five (5) business days before the test date and determine if they will take the test in the classroom, or if they will take it in the quiet testing space, located in Miller Information Commons (Library), Room 211. Students may also choose not to use their testing accommodation for a particular test or quiz.

Please review the information provided here to learn more about the process.

  • The student is responsible for requesting a testing space no later than five (5) business days in advance of the test. The student must also inform the course instructor that they will be taking the test outside of the classroom. Please email testingaccommodations@champlain.edu to arrange for the use of the space.

    In your email, please also copy your instructor and include the following information:

    1. Test date and time
    2. Class (e.g. COR 102) and instructor name
    3. How long does the class have to take the exam?
    4. Will the exam be given online? If so, where is the class expected to be during the exam?

  • The Testing Center is located at Miller Information Commons (Library), Room 211. Students must check in here 10 minutes before the test begins.

    Tests are administered Monday through Friday beginning at 8:00 AM, with the last test given at 2:00 PM (the office closes at 4:30 PM).

    Tests may be scheduled during the class time (assuming class begins by 2:30 PM), or they may be taken at another point during the day, if agreed upon by the instructor.

    Final exam scheduling may require alternative testing times in order to accommodate exams that are scheduled for 3 or more hours.

  • The student must bring all necessary supplies (pen, pencil, paper, calculator, etc.) as required to complete the test. If allowed, a simple calculator and a computer with word processing capability only, are available. The student will be asked to leave their backpack/personal belongings, including cell phone, upon check-in and can retrieve it at check-out.

    Students are prohibited from communicating with other students who are also taking a test in the quiet testing space.

  • The final two weeks account for half of all testing requests. Students should request testing appointments in a timely manner at least 5 business days before the exam. Faculty should provide prompt, comprehensive exam information to ensure smooth final exam scheduling and proctoring.

Testing FAQs

Additional Resources

Student sitting on the dorm floor working in a notebook and laptop
Housing Accommodations 

Champlain recognizes that being able to fully participate in residential housing is a big part of the college experience. If you have needs that require special housing arrangements, we can help.
cars parked in rows
Parking Accommodations 

Transportation accommodations include a shuttle service to ease mobility to and from class, as well as designated parking spaces on campus for those who have a temporary or state disability placard. A Champlain parking permit is also required.
student showing a professor something on their laptop outside between classes
Academic Coaching & Peer Tutoring 

Make the most out of your Champlain experience with academic tutoring and coaching resources available through the Academic Coaching & Peer Tutoring center.

And More!

Three students stop to chat with a recruiter from NASA at the Career Fair.
Career Collaborative 

The ultimate career and employer resource for professional networking, finding internships and jobs, and preparing for life after graduation.

Chauncey the Beaver mascot sits in an armchair and types in a MacBook
Accessibility FAQs 

Find answers to the accessibility-related questions we hear most often from students and families.

Office of Accessibility

Location

Miller Information Commons, 2nd Floor
95 Summit Street

Mailing Address:
375 Maple Street
Burlington, VT 05401

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Fax Number: (802) 865-5764

Contact Us