Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) leads the campus in the creation of inclusive learning environments and facilitates access through innovative services, programs, and partnerships. Disability is an aspect of diversity that is integral to our society and to the Columbia College community. The SAR office collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create a campus environment that is usable, equitable, sustainable and inclusive of all members of the college community.
After admission to the college, students with a disability/condition who want to explore reasonable academic accommodations are encouraged to contact SAR to explore the possibilities and options without feeling a need to commit to utilizing any resources. The student and SAR staff meet, via phone or in person, to discuss the student’s condition, experience, current or anticipated barriers, educational history, and effective accommodations strategies to provide access. The student determines how they want to proceed based on the information presented by the SAR staff and personal preferences. All information is confidential and will be used only to coordinate accommodations with appropriate college personnel. The SAR student file shall be maintained separately from other student records maintained by the college.
Student Accessibility Resources can be reached at (573) 875-7626 or by emailing SAR@ccis.edu. The office is located in the Student Affairs suite on the second floor of Atkins-Holman Student Commons. For more information please visit Student Accessibility Resources.
Application Process
The application is available online to all students who have been admitted to Columbia College. Once logged into myPortal you will land on the Dashboard page which contains information for Accessibility Resources. This includes a link to the accommodations application. Students are prompted to upload the supporting documentation following the electronic submission of the application. Documentation can also be provided by mail, fax or delivery. It is recommended that students do so two weeks in advance of the date accommodations are needed. While students are encouraged to self-identify at the earliest possible time, students may still receive accommodations at any time once they self-disclose and complete the application process. Students must allow enough time for the application process to be completed. Accommodations are provided on a case by case basis through an Intake Interview process conducted by the Student Accessibility Resource office.
Although students are encouraged to discuss their needs with their instructors, students must complete the application process with Student Accessibility Resources in order to receive accommodations. Once a student is approved for accommodations, they must request their accommodations each session by logging into their student profile within the online management system used by SAR to select their accommodations for each class. Students must allow enough time for their accommodation requests to be processed.
Student Responsibility
- Communication - Act as your own advocate.
- Students with needs related to a disability/condition are responsible to contact the Student Accessibility Resources office.
- Work with Student Accessibility Resources on developing advocacy skills and communicating your specific needs and accommodations to instructors.
- Students need to initiate timely communication consistently with their instructor to facilitate a shared understanding of the fundamental requirements of the class and boundaries of accommodations.
- Documentation
- Provide the documentation of the disability/condition as requested by the SAR staff to receive accommodations.
- Accommodations
- To utilize accommodations students need to submit online requests in a timely manner, preferably prior to the beginning of the session.
- To follow procedures with instructors and Student Accessibility Resources in order to get the appropriate accommodations.
- To inform Student Accessibility Resources of the materials you need in alternate format in a timely manner, preferably two weeks prior to the beginning of the session.
- To notify instructors immediately when an accommodation is not being provided completely or correctly. If a resolution is not established contact Student Accessibility Resources in a timely manner.
- To notify instructors immediately when a decision has been made to not use an accommodation, or contact Student Accessibility Resources if the accommodation is no longer needed.
- To provide for your own personal living needs or other personal disability-related needs. For example, coordinating services of personal care attendants or requiring homework assistance are a student’s responsibilities and not the responsibilities of Student Accessibility Resources.
- Accountability
- Students must complete all course and testing requirements as stipulated by the College.
- Students must abide by Columbia College standards and guidelines for behavior and academic integrity.
- Students are expected to treat all college staff and faculty with respect and courtesy.
- If you have academic problems or other concerns, contact Student Accessibility Resources as soon as possible.
Math Disability Policy
Students with a specific learning disability in math are allowed to complete a modified set of general education requirements and should be careful to select a course of study that does not require coursework with a significant math component. Contact Student Accessibility Resources for more information.
Grievance Information
The College is committed to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access. Any College student who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of disability, has been retaliated against, believes he or she has been wrongfully denied reasonable accommodation(s) by the College, believes the College failed to provide approved reasonable accommodation(s), or has other disability or accommodation related concerns should follow the steps set forth in this policy: COLUMBIA COLLEGE STUDENT ADA/SECTION 504 GRIEVANCE POLICY.
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