Policies

Request and Grievance Policy for Student Disability Related Accommodations

Policy Purpose

This policy provides procedures for students to request a disability related accommodation. The policy also outlines guidance on how to file a grievance for denials of requested disability related accommodations and grievances on how an approved accommodation has (or has not) been implemented.

Persons Affected

Students

Policy Statement

Farmingdale State College supports the Disability Services Center in its efforts to assist students with disabilities to function as independently as possible, and to ensure a comprehensively accessible college experience where individuals with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities and activities as all other students at the college. Part of this assistance is providing reasonable disability related accommodations for students.

Reasonable disability related accommodations will be provided on a case-by-case basis to eligible FSC students as per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAA) and Section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973. Services and accommodations can only be initiated when students self-disclose their disabilities and request some type of assistance from the DSC. Staff at the DSC meet with each enrolled student with disabilities in order to partake in the interactive process.

Students can appeal denied requests for reasonable disability related accommodations and/or how an approved accommodation was or was not implemented.

Procedures

A. Request Reasonable Disability Related Accommodation

1. All requests for reasonable disability related accommodations must be submitted to the Disability Services Center by completing the “getting to know you form”.
2. Documentation will be requested to verify a disability and to determine appropriate accommodations.
3. Student will meet or communicate with DSC office to discuss reasonable accommodations.
4. The Disability Services Center will communicate approval or denial of the accommodation to the student

B. File a grievance of a denial or how an approved accommodation has (or has not been) implemented.

1. Students should first attempt to resolve grievances with the Disability Services Center.
2. If the concern is unable to be resolved, the student should file their grievance in writing to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence dei@farmingdale.edu (934-420-2622) within fifteen (15) calendar days. That complaint should include:

a. description of the alleged failure to accommodate
b. any efforts undertaken to resolve the matter
c. specific facts and circumstances
d. any supporting documentation.

3. The Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence will appoint a committee of up to 5 employees, comprised of at least one faculty member, one staff member. The committee may take various measures to investigate the concern thoroughly, including, but not limited to:

a. request information submitted by the student to DSC, advisors or professors.
b. interview relevant witnesses,
c. review offered accommodations,
d. request information regarding the fundamental nature of the program in which the accommodations are sought

4. The committee will maintain confidentiality to the extent reasonably practicable.

5. At the conclusion of the investigation a representative from the Committee will issue a decision regarding the grievance to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence. This decision will be communicated to the student in writing. This matter will then be referred back to the DSC for a review of the findings and to implement any recommendations.

6. The grievance process is final once the committee issues a written decision; there is no appeal of a grievance decision. The committee will aim to complete the investigation within ten (10) business days from when the initial grievance was sent to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence. Depending on the complexity of the investigation, more or less time may be required to complete the process.

Individuals who believe that there is a violation of this policy; who believe they have been treated in a discriminatory manner; or who are experiencing harassment should contact the Affirmative Action Officer. Complaints will be investigated in accordance with the procedure contained in the College’s Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure . An individual who files a complaint or participates in an investigation will be protected against retaliation. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible.

Responsible Office

Disability Services Center

Policy History

Effective Date: 11/14/2023