Academic Accommodation Initial Request Form

The Office of Accessibility Services is responsible for coordinating and ensuring equal access for students to courses, program, services, and activities offered by Mars Hill University. The process to formally declare a disability and to request academic accommodations is outlined below. For further information or questions, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS).

Initial Academic Accommodation Request Process

To request academic accommodations, students must submit:

1. A completed Request for Academic Accommodation(s) Form
2. Supporting documentation from a qualified healthcare provider

To ensure timely review and implementation, students are encouraged to submit requests by the following dates:

Fall – August 1 | Spring – January 5 | Summer – Two weeks before the start of the term

Note: Academic accommodation requests are not retroactive, and requests after the semester midpoint require documentation of extenuating circumstances.

REVIEW

After documentation is submitted, the Director of Accessibility Services will review the request and may consult the Accessibility Services Committee as needed to determine eligibility. Students will be notified of the decision or any follow-up actions within 10 business days via their MHU email.

NEXT STEPS

fter receiving an accommodation decision, students must meet with the Director of Accessibility Services before or within the first few weeks of initial enrollment to develop their Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP). The AAP outlines approved academic accommodations. Unless otherwise arranged, students are responsible for providing the AAP to their instructors, coaches, or relevant faculty.

Note: Students are required to request a renewal of accommodations each semester to keep their AAP active.

Information provided to the OAS is maintained in a confidential manner as outlined in the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Disability-related records are maintained separately from academic files and are excluded from free access under FERPA. Disability information is shared only on a limited basis within the University only when there is compelling need to communicate specific information with MHU faculty and staff in order to achieve implementation of reasonable accommodations.

*By signing below, I confirm that the information is accurate. I authorize the Office of Accessibility Services at Mars Hill University to share information with faculty or staff who have a legitimate need to implement my approved accommodations.

*All documentation and records provided will be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and are stored separately from academic files.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Mars Hill University provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities that substantially limit one or more major life activities.

To support this request, students must submit disability documentation from a licensed provider, either by completing the Healthcare Provider Verification Form or by submitting a signed letter on official letterhead that clearly addresses all of the following:

1. Provider Information: Signature, printed name, title, credentials, and contact info
2. Evaluation Date: The date of the most recent evaluation
3. Treatment History: How long and how often the student has been seen for care
4. Diagnosis: Clear diagnostic statement
5. Methodology: Description of diagnostic methods used
6. Functional Limitations: How the condition impacts academics/learning
7. Accommodation Recommendation: Specific accommodations requested
8. Justification: How accommodations will reduce disability-related barriers
9. Level of Need: Importance and anticipated impact if not provided

ELIGIBLE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Documentation must come from a licensed clinical professional with direct, current knowledge of the student’s condition and ongoing involvement in their care. One-time evaluations or brief consultations are not sufficient.

Acceptable providers may include:

• Physicians (M.D. or D.O.)
• Licensed Clinical Psychologists
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LPC, LCMHC)
• Psychiatrists or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Other licensed medical or mental health professionals qualified to diagnose and treat the condition

Note: Providers must not be related to the student.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES

• Documentation must be current and comprehensive, depending on the condition.
• Students in professional programs may need documentation within 3 years of a related exam.
• MHU does not cover the costs of evaluations.
• Documentation should support the request and not fundamentally alter course standards.
• IEPs/504 Plans may be submitted as supplemental but are not sufficient on their own.
• Prescription pad notes or student-written statements signed by providers are not accepted.
• Completed forms or letters on official letterhead can be directly submitted to the Director of Accessibility Services.