Background - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

     "Nondiscrimation Under Federal Grants and Programs, "Sec. 504(a), states in part:   "No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States, as defined in section 7 (8), shall, solely be reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance..."

Statement of Purpose

     It is the policy of Morningside College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants for enrollment, enrolled students, applicants for employment, or employees.   Morningside College will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to provide equal opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities.  

     The following policy relates specifically to qualified individuals with disabilities enrolled at Morningside College who have qualified for admission by meeting standard institutional requirements.

Definition of Determination of a Disability

     Morningside College will require supportive data to verify that a disability exists.   These may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

              1. High school records.

              2. Rehabilitation organization records.

              3. Data from other colleges (for transfer students).

              4. Specific plans recommended by qualified professionals and/or consultants.

              5. Satisfactory medical determination as required.

     The concepts of "reasonable accommodations" and "undue hardship" will be applied in implementing accommodations for each individual with a disability.

     The accommodations selected will be based on the individual needs of the student who has a disability and the college's ability to reasonably accommodate the disabilities without undue hardship.   Examples of potential reasonable accommodations for students taking courses might include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

                1. Classroom accessibility

                2. Note-taking services

                3. Copies of instructor's notes

                4. Tape recordings of class

                5. Reasonable equipment modification

                6. Preferential seating

                7. Large print materials

                8. Books on tape

                9. Test taking accommodations

              10. Word processor adaptations

              11. Reader service

Accommodations Procedures

     Accommodations will be coordinated by the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students in Student Services. Students must initiate the accommodations process by notifying the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students of their disability(s), by providing the appropriate documentation, and by meeting with the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students to discuss appropriate accommodations.   Once the disability(s) has been verified, the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students will serve as facilitator for the accommodations process.   The Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students will help students contact professors, will provide training, and will answer any questions faculty may have about the process.  

     Special accommodations should not lessen course requirements or reduce academic standards. Instead, accommodations may slightly alter an instructor's teaching style or testing methods since they are tailored to reduce or circumvent the limitations imposed by the disability of a particular student. If an instructor is concerned that any of the accommodations may alter the course requirement or otherwise compromise the integrity of their course, the instructor may discuss alternative solutions with the student or the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students.

     It is anticipated that the faculty/staff person will make adjustments based on reasonable actions as required and set forth in a "Plan of Accommodation," agreed in writing between the student and the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students and based upon a student's documented needs.   Students who are denied requested accommodations should first contact the Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students, who will work with the student to find an adequate solution for the situation. If the situation is still not resolved, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College.

For additional information contact:

Dr. Mary Leida

Dean for Advising/Associate Dean of Students

(712) 274-5252

leidam@morningside.edu