Policies and Procedures

Accommodations and Services

Classroom and Exam Accommodations

1.      At the beginning of each semester students who have completed the initial process for Requesting Academic Accommodations  services must submit  a request for the accommodations and/or services they require for that term.  Students may request only the accommodations and services agreed upon in the initial planning meeting.  Students who may wish additional accommodations and serves during a semester should contact the Learning Support Center (LSC) and request a meeting to discuss this additional assistance. Request for Accommodations Form.

2.      Once a letter is sent to faculty regarding in class accommodations, the student is expected to meet with the faculty member to discuss the implementation of the accommodations.  For example, if a student is allowed extended time for an exam and a distraction free environment, the student and faculty member should discuss in advance how this can be provided.  In addition, the faculty member may have questions that can be raised at this time.  Developing the best plan for providing in class assistance to students is a collaborative process and one that should be ongoing over the course of the semester.

3.      Students requesting extra time for in class exams must consider whether this will result in missing portions of other class periods.  Arrangements should be made to either begin the exam earlier or to take it at a later point in the day.  Please check if you have a class immediately after one for which you are requesting extra time on exams.  Discuss your options with your professor well in advance of the first exam day.

Exam Proctoring by the Learning Support Center

1.      If the student and faculty member decide to request the LSC to proctor an exam, the following web based form must be completed and submitted to the LSC Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance:  

2.      The time listed for beginning of the exam will be used for determining the accommodated exam time period.

3.      IMPORTANT:  The time period for a proctored exam begins at the time stated in the web form.  If you show up late you will not be able to have your exam time period readjusted to reflect the later starting time.

 Notetaker Services

1.      Notetakers are volunteers from the student’s class who are willing to share their notes.   Volunteer notetakers are provided with a notebook containing carbonless paper.  The notetaker keeps the original and the student receives the copy.   Most students identify themselves to the notetaker and receive the copies at the end of each class period.  If a student wishes to maintain confidentiality, they should indicate this to the LSC.  In that case the notetaker will send the notes to the LSC through campus mail.  The LSC will then scan the notes and send them to the student.  This will result in a delay of about a week.

2.      If a student misses a class, the notetaker will send the notes to the LSC through Campus mail.  The student may not request the notes for the day they are absent from the notetaker.  The student will have to discuss the possibility of receiving the notes with the ASC coordinator. 

3.      The faculty member for the course will not be involved in the notetaker process.  This includes decisions regarding notes for missed class periods.

Alternative Format Materials

1.      Students requesting electronic format for academic texts must sign an electronic text distribution agreement.  This stipulates that the student must purchase a copy of any textbook received in alternative format, and that the electronic text will not be shared with any other person.

2.      The LSC coordinator will meet with students requiring electronic text format each semester to review current course needs.  Students are advised to inform the coordinator as soon as possible of course changes.

3.      Students may stipulate a preference for the Alternative Text Format (electronic text, mp3, RB&D).  While the coordinator will attempt to provide the preferred format, it may not always be efficient or possible to do so.  Other formats may be substituted as required.

Assistance for Low-Vision

1.      Students with low-vision can request scribes who will sit beside them in class and take down notes from the board in large print. 

2.      A CCTV which provides visual enlargement of materials can be requested for classroom use.  This equipment is generally used with a microscope for lab use in science classes.  Students who wish to use this equipment should inform the LSC coordinator at the beginning of the semester.

3.       The library has a computer station equipped with Jaws, Zoomtext and Kurzweil 1000.  It is located near the check out counter immediately across from the library entrance. 

Additional Services

Individualized Academic Support

1.      LSC staff members are available to work with students on a variety of academic issues.  Individual plans can be developed to suit a student’s current needs.

2.      Weekly academic coaching program is available to students.  The appropriateness of this program for a particular student can be discussed in a meeting with the LSC Director.  The coaching program addresses issues of planning, time management as well as procrastination.

Extended absence from class due to disability

1.      LSC staff members can assist student and faculty with communication and planning during and absences.  Medical conditions that may require prolonged absences from class can be anticipated and accommodations worked out with faculty in advance.

Secondary Advising

1.      LSC staff can meet with students and provide supplementary advising regarding course selection that is specific to the student’s disability and accommodations.  

Writing Competency Exam    

1.      Students requiring accommodations for this exam should contact Scott Hendrix when they sign up to take the exam.  shendrix@albion.edu

2.      The same accommodations approved for classroom examinations will apply to this exam.

   Study Abroad

1.      Students planning on studying abroad should contact the program and make them aware of any disability needs.  The Host Institution generally requires verification by the LSC of disability documentation and approved accommodations.    

Additional Information

Grievance Procedure

Students who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of a disability or who believe that they have not received appropriate accommodations have access to an informal and formal complaint procedure.  Grievance procedure.

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