Frequently Asked Question
1. It is the beginning of the semester, and one of my students has handed me “The Letter.” What is this?
A “Letter” is an official document used to facilitate communication between the Office of Differing Abilities Services (ODAS), students, and faculty. Specifically, a student enrolled with ODAS will hand each of his/her professors a Letter that officially indicates that a student is registered with ODAS and delineates the legally required classroom accommodations in detail. The Letter is intended to initiate conversation between the professor and student; therefore, ODAS encourages students to self-advocate via open communication with his/her professors. The accommodations will not begin until the student has a discussion with their professors about their letters.
As a faculty member, we suggest that you use the Letter as an informative outline for necessary accommodations in order to allow the student equal access in the academic environment. The Letter is intended to promote an open dialogue between yourself and the student. If you have any questions regarding the accommodations outlined in the Letter, feel free to contact ODAS at (609) 771-2571.
2. A student is requesting an accommodation that I believe is not feasible in the course I am instructing. Am I allowed to refuse such a request?
If ODAS has determined that a student is entitled to specific accommodations according to the evidence of documentation of the disability (or disabilities), the law holds you responsible as a faculty member to adhere to those modifications.
Instead of directly denying the accommodation, we suggest that faculty members contact ODAS at (609) 771-2571 so that a solution may be mediated and resolved between the student, faculty member, and ODAS coordinator.
If you feel that the requested accommodation is either: unreasonable, ineffective, fundamentally alters the course curriculum, or causes an undue hardship on the faculty/classmates, please confer with the ODAS coordinator.
3. I have a student in my class who I believe would benefit from ODAS services; however, he/she is not enrolled in your office. What is the best manner to refer this student?
It is encouraged that the faculty member speak to the student in private to discuss a referral to ODAS. Registering with ODAS is voluntary on the part of the student.
Before a student is able to be considered for accommodation services at The College, he/she must provide the necessary documentation that he/she has a disability. You may refer to the student to the ODAS website, as well as encourage them to stop in or call the office for more information.
To learn how to attain an evaluation, refer the students to this tip sheet.
4. Does ODAS at TCNJ offer any training services to better prepare me in providing an inclusive classroom for all of my students?
Faculty is encouraged to browse the ODAS website for more in-depth disability classroom support information. Any specific details relevant to your course can be discussed with the ODAS coordinator. Departmental trainings are available upon request.
5. If a student discloses a disability to you:
Ask to see an accommodation letter from ODAS. This will describe the accommodations to be provided. Discuss with your student what you can do to facilitate learning.
6. If you have a question about the appropriateness of an accommodation:
Questions about the appropriateness of certain accommodations should be directed to the Coordinator ODAS.
7. If a student thinks they have a disability?
Refer the student to the ODAS.
8. If a student request an accommodations assessment?
Refer student to the Accommodation Process link on our web page.
9. If a student who is receiving accommodations and is not doing well in class?
Treat student as you would any other student.
10. If a student wants to file a grievance?
Refer student to the TCNJ faculty/student/staff handbook and the ADA policies and procedures.
Or visit TCNJ’s Affirmative Action page to learn more.