Making Course Modification Requests

Intent: To inform students whose documented disability makes it necessary to make course modification requests about the procedure.

Accountability: The Department of Disability Services, the ADA/504 Coordinator and students who have selected to self-identify as a person with disability requesting disability related accommodations and support services.

Applicability: Students enrolled full or part time at Monmouth University who are registered with the Department of Disability Services (DDS).

Definition(s):

• Business Day: is defined as Monday-Friday, 8:45am – 5pm; weekend and holiday dates are not included.
• Modification: DDS uses the term “modification” to define requests that change established academic requirements without fundamentally altering the nature of the course. Examples of modifications include but are not limited to:
  • Up to two (2) additional absences
  • Extended deadline on up to two (2) assignments
  • Extended deadline for up to two (2) assessments

Course modification requests require an additional interactive process between the student, DDS and faculty.

Course modification requests must be placed each semester for each course.

Course modifications are not retroactive and are not considered reasonable for every course.

Course modification procedure can take up to 10 business days to complete.

Procedure:

Requests for course modifications require the following administrative steps:

1. Register with the Department of Disability Services (DDS).
2. Student reviews and uploads to Accommodate syllabi for courses in which they wish to request modifications.
3. Student meets with their DDS Disability Specialist either virtually or in person to discuss the disability related need for the modification request. The Disability Specialist has the right to ask for more documentation to evaluate the request, if needed.
4. Disability Specialist will reach out to faculty to request the modification. Faculty will be asked to reply to the request within 7 business days.
5. Faculty will determine if the request is reasonable given the format, requirements and learning outcomes and process for their course. If the request is considered unreasonable, faculty will be asked to suggest an alternative.
6. Once confirmation or denial is received, the DDS Disability Specialist will inform the student.
7. The student can initiate an appeal process by contacting the Director of Disability Services.

Modification Request Appeal Process

1. In the case of an appeal for a modification request, the Director of Disability Services will convene a meeting of the DDS Faculty Advisory Committee (the committee).
2. The Committee will examine the course syllabus, review the student modification request, and engage faculty for clarification of their decision. Alternative options will be suggested and considered.
3. Based on this information, the committee will render a decision.
4. The student may initiate a secondary appeal process by contacting the ADA/504 Coordinator.