[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Welcome!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students! We encourage you to take a moment to review our current policies and procedures to help ensure ongoing support for our students for the current semester.<\/p>\n
If you need any assistance, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out \u2014 we\u2019re always here to help! Wishing you a successful semester of teaching!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_tabs active_tab_background_color=”#E71939″ inactive_tab_background_color=”#FFFFFF” active_tab_text_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” tab_text_color=”#333333″ custom_padding=”24px|||||” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: row;” custom_css_tabs_controls=”width: 250px;||border-bottom: 1px solid #333″ custom_css_tab=”width: 250px;” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#E71939″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_tab title=”Accommodate” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dear Faculty,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of CUNY Accommodate, our new student disability management system, on January 2, 2025. This innovative platform is designed to streamline the management of student accommodations, providing a more efficient way for Faculty to receive accommodation forms, fulfill student exam requests, and retrieve completed exams.<\/p>\n With CUNY Accommodate, students with disabilities will have a streamlined process for requesting their accommodations, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone involved. This system integrates students, their accommodations, course schedules, Faculty, and the Office for Students with Disabilities and Access (OSDA) into one cohesive platform, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.<\/p>\n We encourage you to familiarize yourself with CUNY Accommodate by exploring our self-directed instructional videos and comprehensive guides that walk you through what you need to know to use the system (Access SharePoint then enter your CUNYfirst username and password to get started). You can access these resources and the CUNY Accommodate system using the links below.<\/p>\n If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding CUNY Accommodate, please contact the Central Office of Disability Programs at Disability@cuny.edu.<\/p>\n I appreciate your support as we work together to provide a barrier-free learning experience for all our students.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Semester Guide” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All CUNY colleges will now manage introduction letters and certain accommodations through a centralized platform called <\/span>Accommodate<\/span><\/b>. Students are required to log in to their Accommodate account to submit requests for the Office for Students with Disabilities and Access (OSDA) staff to send introduction letters and\/or accommodation requests to their instructors. Upon submission, instructors will receive an email notification regarding the request and will be required to log in to Accommodate to respond accordingly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For further details, please refer to the official memo issued to all CUNY colleges by CUNY Central on the Accommodate Tab.<\/span><\/p>\n Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong>: Working with Students with Disabilities page for common questions instructors frequently have regarding accommodations.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n To promote success to all students, we suggest implementing some if not all of these strategies below to enhance the learning experience in the classroom.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before courses are opened for scheduling in the upcoming semester, instructors are encouraged to provide a brief description of the class, including any key requirements. Additionally, if specific software, textbooks, or extracurricular activities are required for the course, this information should also be included. Providing these details in advance allows students to assess whether the course aligns with their needs and expectations. It also enables students registered with our office to determine if adjustments to their accommodations may be necessary prior to the start of the course.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Instructors should post the course syllabus as soon as it becomes available. Early access to the syllabus ensures that students requiring accommodations, such as screen readers or alternative text formats, have sufficient time to work with our office to make materials accessible if they are not already. It also allows students who have not registered or are unsure about their diagnosis, enough time to contact us and get registered if eligible. Instructors are strongly encouraged to select educational materials that are inherently accessible to all students. If materials are not initially accessible, instructors should take the necessary steps to ensure accessibility.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Furthermore, the following statement should be included in the syllabus to inform students of the process for registering with our office if they have not yet done so:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommended statement:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe Office for Students with Disabilities and Access (OSDA)<\/span> is committed to supporting students with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access. If you need accommodations or are unsure if you qualify based on your situation, please visit their website for further information. Accommodations are not retroactive, so you are encouraged to get registered sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n OSDA<\/span> Website Link:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/osda\/<\/a><\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n Students may provide their introduction letters to instructors at any time during the semester prior to utilizing an accommodation; however, they are strongly encouraged to do so before the semester begins. Instructors are therefore advised to regularly check their email for any introduction letters sent through the Accommodate system.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If an issue arises regarding a specific accommodation or its implementation within the course, instructors must address the matter directly with the counselor listed on the introduction letter, not with the student. It is inappropriate for instructors to modify, disregard, or reject accommodations approved by the Office of Special Services, or to make independent arrangements with the student. Instructors are required to adhere strictly to the accommodations outlined in the introduction letter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Once the semester begins, we strongly encourage instructors to read the statement regarding our office to their class. This ensures that all students are aware of the opportunity to register with our office if they have not already done so. It is important to speak to students privately about accommodations and to refrain from asking or pressuring them to disclose their disability, as doing so is both inappropriate and a violation of the laws. Additionally, instructors must not pressure or compel students to utilize accommodations or register with our office, as the decision to seek accommodations is entirely the student’s right. However, instructors may make a general announcement to the class reminding students that, if they wish to receive accommodations, they should register with our office as soon as possible or follow the established procedures for utilizing their accommodations if they are already registered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Important Note: <\/strong> Students with disabilities are still required to meet all program requirements in order to be qualified. If a student engages in behavior that violates the code of student conduct\u2014such as being disruptive or engaging in harmful actions\u2014they should be reported for disciplinary action, regardless of their disability status. The same applies if academic integrity is compromised. Similarly, if a student fails to meet the academic standards necessary to pass a course, even after utilizing their accommodations or choosing not to do so, assigning a failing grade is appropriate and justified.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Accommodation Guidelines” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Faculty must be notified in advance through Accommodate before accommodations can be implemented. If a letter cannot be sent, students may provide a copy themselves. Faculty may contact our office to verify accommodations, and should not approve any requests without confirmation<\/strong> that the student is registered with OSDA<\/span>.<\/p>\n To help faculty better understand how accommodations are managed through our office, we have provided the essential information below regarding common accommodations. For additional details regarding accommodations and procedures, faculty are strongly encouraged to review the Returning Students<\/strong> page on our website. Any concerns and questions regarding accommodations should be addressed with our office and not the students.<\/p>\n Accessible Furniture and Classroom<\/strong><\/p>\n Students who require accessible furniture or classrooms due to a disability must contact our office before the semester begins<\/strong> so that the necessary arrangements can be made.<\/p>\n If a classroom contains specialized furniture\u2014such as a height-adjustable table\u2014please ensure that it is not used by anyone, including instructors, unless approved by our office. These items are costly and, if damaged or removed, may prevent students from participating meaningfully in class.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Assistive Technology & & Text\/Reading\/Writing Software<\/strong><\/p>\n There are many forms of technology available to support students with disabilities. Since some devices and software may serve students with a wide range of needs, instructors should never make assumptions about how or why a student uses a particular accommodation.<\/p>\n If a student requests the use of a device or software not listed in their official accommodation letter or verified by our office<\/strong>, instructors should follow the standard class policy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n These software programs are typically provided as a one-time activation<\/strong> through our office. Once a student has an account, they retain access until they are no longer enrolled at ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ. It is the students’ responsibility to activate licenses and learn how to use their accommodations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Below are examples of common assistive technologies that students may be entitled to use:<\/p>\n Alternative Format<\/strong><\/p>\n Typically, these accommodations are meant to make the course content accessible through a digital format. If the student is entitled to Jaws, it should be a Word document instead of a PDF.<\/p>\n Flexible Attendance<\/strong><\/p>\n Students who are provided this accommodation are students who experience episodes of their condition. These episodes make it difficult for students to resume normal daily activities for the time being, so accommodations like flexible attendance are provided to assist students in staying in school. The number of days waived is limited, and students are otherwise expected to be healthy enough to be in college.<\/p>\n * Important note: Students are required to provide their medical note to our office to verify the student was out sick due to their documented disability, not something like a cold. We will be in contact with the instructor once the attendance waiver has been approved.\u00a0<\/p>\n Students approved for this accommodation typically experience episodes related to their documented disability, which may temporarily make it difficult for them to engage in normal daily activities. Flexible attendance is intended to support these students in remaining enrolled and progressing academically.<\/p>\n The number of excused absences is limited<\/strong>, and students are otherwise expected to be well enough to meet the general expectations of college attendance.<\/p>\n Important Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Accommodation Guidelines: Extended Time” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Scheduling Requests through the Testing Center<\/strong><\/p>\n **24\/7 Video Surveillance**<\/strong><\/p>\n Instructor Proctoring<\/strong><\/p>\n Clarifications About Extended Time<\/strong><\/p>\n Make-Ups<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Accommodation Guidelines: Note Taking” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Recording Software as Primary Support<\/strong><\/p>\n Our office now primarily relies on note-taking software<\/strong> to provide students with access to notes.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Recording as an Approved Accommodation<\/strong><\/p>\n Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act<\/strong>, the use of recording devices is a recognized accommodation for students who cannot fully participate in class due to a disability.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”QC & CUNY Policies” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Students with disabilities are expected to meet all program requirements in order to qualify for accommodations. Instructors and staff should ensure that program requirements are clearly communicated for both eligibility and completion. These requirements are designed to uphold academic standards and accreditation integrity, not to discriminate against students with disabilities or members of other protected classes. Program criteria should be applied during the admissions process<\/strong>, and if a student does not meet the academic standards of a course\u2014even with accommodations or by choosing not to use them\u2014a failing grade is both appropriate and justified.<\/p>\n Qualified students with disabilities are required to follow all ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ (QC) and CUNY policies and procedures<\/strong>, just like any other student. A disability does not exempt a student from compliance with policies such as the:<\/p>\n Code of Conduct<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Academic Integrity Policy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sexual Misconduct Policy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Acceptable Use of Computer Resources Policy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Outside of approved reasonable accommodations, students are to be treated the same as their peers.<\/p>\n If a student is suspected of violating these policies and procedures, instructors can consult the Office of Judicial Affairs<\/strong> for guidance.<\/p>\n If a student is found to be in violation of these policies or procedures, instructors are encouraged to first have a respectful conversation with the student regarding the incident. However, a formal report must also be submitted to the Office of Judicial Affairs for official documentation. If the matter cannot be resolved through discussion, the Office of Judicial Affairs will intervene and assist with the next steps.<\/p>\n Reports may be filed at the following link:<\/strong> Public Incident Report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n For more information on what the Judicial Affairs Office has to offer, please check out the Judicial Affairs Office website to the right: Judicial Affairs Office<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n For conduct concerns outside of the Code of Conduct, such as disruptive or harmful behavior:<\/p>\n ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ Care and Concern Team Link: Care and Concern Team<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Office of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Link: Student Disability Management System<\/span><\/h1>\n
\n
Before The Semester Begins<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
During the Semester<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Accommodation Guidelines<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/ul>\n
Extended Time<\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Note Taking\/Recording<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ and CUNY Policies<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
\n