division of student affairs academic accommodation procedures for graduate students joel lynn,...
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DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Academic Accommodation Procedures for Graduate Students
Joel Lynn, Executive Director, Student Services | Jonathan Derry, Manager, Policy and Judicial AffairsLaurie Keenan, Manager, Resource Centre for Students with a Disability
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Overview
• Introduction• Academic Accommodation and Access for Students
with Disabilities Policy (AC1205)• RCSD Student Population and Graduate Students• Rationale for Creating Graduate Student Procedures• Key Issues Addressed in Draft Procedures• Discussion• Next Steps
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Policy AC1205
Academic Accommodation and Access for Students with a Disability Policy (AC1205)
• Promotes and protects the rights of students with disabilities• Aims to create a safe, respectful and supportive
environment for all university community members• Aims to make UVic as accessible as possible so
students with disabilities can participate as equal members
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Policy AC1205 (Cont.)
• Commits to providing academic accommodation up to the point of undue hardship
• Supports the operations of the RCSD to provide academic accommodation advice, guidance and support to students, faculty and staff
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Supporting Procedures
• New Academic Accommodation procedures for undergraduates were approved by Senate and implemented in 2011
• Recognition that specific Academic Accommodations procedures for graduate students also be developed. Research, drafting and planning have been ongoing for several months
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Students with Mental Health issues and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
are the fastest growing populations of students who register
RCSD Advisors work with specific populations of students
RCSD – Student PopulationJanuary 14, 2013
999 students registeredWithin 1-2 years
> 1100 students will be registered
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Why Develop Accommodation Procedures for Graduate Students?
• Policy AC1205 does not specifically address graduate students or provide direction for resolving increasingly complex accommodation issues for graduate students
• Currently there is no formal process outlined in university procedures for graduate students or instructors to dispute academic accommodations sought or provided
• Clarification required on the roles and responsibilities in accommodation process of FGS, line faculties, RCSD, Grad Students, grad supervisors, etc
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Key Issues Addressed in Procedures
Draft procedures intend to:• provide information for individuals with disabilities
on applying to graduate programs;• set out options to encourage grad students with
disabilities to report accommodations they may need early to facilitate support for everyone involved in the accommodation process;• address confidentiality issues and highlight how
student personal information is protected;
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Key Issues Addressed in Procedures
• include the processes used including timelines and documentation requirements for requesting academic accommodation;• provide general information on academic accommodations
that may be available to graduate students;• clarify the roles/responsibilities of those involved in the
accommodation process (e.g., Grad Students, FGS, line faculties, grad supervisors, the RCSD, etc);• set out informal and formal processes to assist with
resolving issues/difficulties related to implementing an accommodation plan.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Next Steps
• Continue working closely with FGS, GSS and faculty on procedures• Consult with graduate students, Deans’ Council,
faculty members, Senate Committee, Academic Accommodation Advisory Committee, LTC and others• Final drafting of procedures and endorsement• Bring forward final recommended draft to Senate for
approval in Fall, 2013• Implementation planning• Training opportunities