Students

Assistive Technology

• A variety of software, hardware, and other devices used to accommodate the student (e.g., a computer, text magnifier, text-to-speech program, etc.).

Calculator

• A student is allowed to utilize a basic four-function calculator during exams and quizzes, except when the use of a calculator is a fundamental alteration to an essential function of the course, exam, or quiz.

Computer for Essays on Exams and Quizzes

• A student is allowed to use a laptop while being supervised to complete portions of an exam that require written response.

Distraction-Reduced Environment for Testing

• A student is allowed to complete an exam/quiz in a separate testing environment from the classroom to reduce various distractions (audible, visible, etc.). Exams/quizzes taken in a distraction-reduced environment will be administered and supervised by staff from Accommodation Services.

Extended Time for Exams and Quizzes

• 50% - The student is provided with time and a half to complete the exam/quiz (e.g., 50- minute exam x 50% (25 minutes) = 1hr and 15 minutes with extended time).
• 100% - The student is provided with double time to complete the exam/quiz (e.g., 50- minute exam x 100% (50 minutes) = 1hr and 40 minutes with extended time).

No-Scantron

• The student is allowed to mark answers directly on the exam or request a scribe to assist with transferring the answers to a scantron.

Reader

• A staff member from Accommodation Services will read verbatim the instructions and questions on an exam to the student. A reader will not assist the student in any way to answer a question.

Scribe

• A staff member from Accommodation Services will write verbatim the responses for a student.

Stop-the-Clock

• Students with the need to check glucose levels or attend to other medically necessary resources may “pause” while completing an exam to do so. During this time students are not permitted to access notes, textbooks, or technology of any kind unless a device is used for a medical purpose.

Audio-Recorded Lecture

• A student is exempt from the University policy on recording in the classroom and is allowed to record lectures as needed within the academic standards of the course. The recording is to be used for study purposes only and may not be distributed to any other individual or online platform. A student may use a personal device or check out a device from Accommodation Services. A student approved for this accommodation is required to sign an acknowledgment for recording lectures and must schedule an appointment to review the student responsibilities and expectations with Accommodation Services prior to recording lectures.

Communication Assistance

• A student is approved to utilize an assistive listening device (e.g., a hearing aid).
• A student may require the assistance of an interpreter.
• A student may require the use of real-time captioning software on a personal device.

Enlarged Font Handout

• Classroom handouts are enlarged to the font size required to enable a student to clearly read and comprehend the handout content.

Preferential Seating

• A student is allowed to choose where to sit in the classroom.

Note-Taking Assistance

• A student may be approved to utilize a laptop in class for typing notes.
• A student may use the assistance of a volunteer peer note-taker to supplement their own notes.
• In the event that a peer-note taker is not available, professors may choose to provide a copy of their notes/presentations used in class online or directly to a student.

Access to Food/Drink

• A student is approved to bring food and drinks to the classroom or while taking an exam.
• Students are not permitted to take food and drinks into certain lab spaces, in which case they will be required to leave the room to consume any food or drink.
• This accommodation does not allow for a full meal but is intended to permit a light snack.

Alternate Format Texts

• A student may utilize alternative formats of required materials and texts. This includes ebooks, audiobooks, tactile, etc.
• Accommodation Services, in conjunction with Library Services, may assist in locating a particular format for a student. It is not guaranteed that each text required will be in the desired alternative format.

Classroom Accessibility

• In the event that a classroom space is inaccessible or a barrier exists that delays a student from getting from one class to the next, Accommodation Services will request that a course be moved to an accessible space at the beginning of the semester. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contact accommodations@dbu.edu to report any concerns regarding accessibility.

Course Modifications

• In the event that a student is unable to complete an activity-based assignment, an agreed-upon modification between the student and professor may be implemented so long as the modification does not compromise the fundamental nature of the course.

Extended Time for Assignments

• At times, a student may experience a severe flare-up of symptoms related to an underlying condition that prevents them from completing coursework by the original due date. Students approved for this accommodation may be eligible for an extension of up to 48 hours within the academic standards of the course. The amount of extended time given depends on what is agreed upon by the professor and student.
• This accommodation does not apply to situations in which the extension would impact other students or assignments, such as group work, participation/discussion, peer review sessions, or long-term projects. This accommodation will not be granted past the University's due date for final grades at the conclusion of a semester.

Presentations

• In the event that a student has a condition that would affect their ability to present in the classroom setting, an alternate means to demonstrate the objectives of presentations may be agreed upon by the student and professor (e.g., essays, video recordings of presentations, etc.).

Concussion Protocol

• In the event that a student is placed on concussion protocol, whether by DBU Athletics or an external health care provider, Accommodation Services will provide a notification to a student’s professors. A separate notification is provided when a student has been cleared to resume normal activity.
• While on concussion protocol, students will be excused from classes and are expected to limit cognitive and physical activity for proper rest and recovery.
• A student is expected to receive ongoing evaluations until cleared to resume normal activities. 
• Should a student miss greater than two weeks of class due to being on concussion protocol, additional options should be discussed with Accommodation Services pertaining to continued participation in classes.

Illness/Injuries

• A student with a temporary injury, illness, or medical condition may be eligible to receive temporary accommodations such as a parking tag, testing/classroom accommodations, etc.
• Excused absences are not recognized for temporary illnesses, with the exception that an illness becomes extended and an approved accommodation is provided through Accommodation Services in the Dean of Students Office.
• Students are responsible for communicating with professors and completing any assignments missed while absent from class.

In some situations, students may require additional time on tests or special environmental parameters that are not achievable in the traditional classroom setting or within the time constraints of the class. Students may be placed in a distraction-reduced room under supervision in order to complete the test with extended time and/or quiet environment requirements. Testing location and times are limited. Students should complete the Exam Request Form no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time an exam is to be administered in class.

Attend class

• Actively participate in class discussions.
• Complete every assignment.
• Communicate with professors if you will be absent.

Meet your professors

• Schedule a time to go by the professor’s office and introduce yourself early in the semester.
• Clarify expectations/syllabus, etc., early in the semester.

Communicate with professors when you intend to utilize a specific accommodation in class

• Students must inform professor(s) for each assignment that they intend to use accommodations on (e.g., emailing a professor two days prior to an exam to inform them that you would like to use extended time in the distraction-reduced testing room).
• Do not always assume that a professor knows when you do/do not want to use your accommodations.

Read all instructions, emails, etc., from your professors thoroughly

• Become familiar with using your DBU student email and Blackboard.

Keep your syllabus handy and make sure to highlight important dates

• Keep a planner or to-do list to track upcoming assignments and due dates.

Get help at the first sign of trouble

• Don’t wait to ask for help until the end of the semester.
• Visit one of the academic tutoring labs.

Practice time management

• Be organized.
• Schedule study sessions.
• Be efficient with time.
• Learn to say “no” to unnecessary activities.

Be realistic with your expectations for college

• Find a balance of classes, studying, activities, rest, and exercise.

A temporary parking placard (for use on the DBU campus only) may be obtained by providing documentation to Accommodation Services in the Dean of Students Office. Access to handicapped parking is permitted only with a valid handicapped license plate or a temporary handicapped hangtag issued by a government agency, DBU's Office of Student Affairs, or DBU's Campus Security Department. Long-term handicapped parking will require a state-issued handicapped parking permit.

• Apply for a state handicap placard
• DBU Campus Map

Shuttle Service

Shuttle services are available to aid individuals that may need transportation assistance on the DBU campus. The Patriot Shuttle Service provides service to all campus community members throughout the day and evening during the fall and spring semesters. Officers also offer the services of an escort to and from a campus community member's vehicle parked on campus. Download the DBUShield App to track the shuttle location, or contact the Campus Security Department at (214) 333‑5555 for assistance.

DBU Dining Services on campus is operated by La Frontera. Students with specific food allergies or other special dietary needs should provide information regarding specific requests to Accommodation Services in the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will review the accommodation request and provide the relevant documents to representatives from Dining Services. It may be necessary to schedule an opportunity for representatives from Dining Services to meet with the student to discuss any specific request. These arrangements will be made through Accommodation Services after the initial documents have been reviewed. Accommodation Services will seek to aid the student in procuring reasonable accommodations for their special dining and nutritional needs.

*Meal Plan accommodations can only be made within the first 10 days of the semester. There are no exceptions to this deadline. Any requests made after the deadline will be applied the following semester.

The University Housing community on campus is a vibrant and exciting place to grow and learn during the college years. Students with a need for accommodations may require consideration for special housing requests. Students with mobility limitations will receive priority access to special ADA accessible rooms. Requests for specific room arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on relevant documentation and available space. Additional modifications may be necessary to accommodate all student requests. Please complete the Accommodation Request Form and contact Accommodation Services for additional assistance.

An animal kept for ordinary use and companionship, which is not an Assistance Animal or Service Animal as defined below. Residents are not permitted to keep pets within University Housing.

An animal that is not a Service Animal but provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability and is recognized by the Fair Housing Act. Unlike Service Animals, emotional support animals provide relief through their mere presence and need not be individually trained to provide the emotional support needed to alleviate the symptoms of the disability. Assistance Animals are not pets. The student must have a disability-related need for the animal, and the University may require documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or other mental health professional demonstrating that the animal provides emotional support to alleviate symptoms of the disability in considering the request for reasonable accommodation.

A dog (or, when permitted by law, a miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of someone with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The animal must be trained to take specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. Examples include but are not limited to assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, pulling a wheelchair, and providing physical support and assistance to individuals with mobility disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, emotional support, companionship, or improve the well-being of the student do not qualify as Service Animals under the ADA and thus do not meet the definition of Service Animal under DBU’s policy.