Classroom Accessibility Policy
Signum University is committed to offering exceptional and accessible live teaching to a global community of students, including students for whom traditional in-person instruction may present logistical challenges. Signum is committed to working with and providing appropriate services and academic accommodations that allow all students equal opportunity in their classes and the university community.
The process of obtaining an accommodation, or modifying an existing accommodation, is initiated by the student and supported by the student’s advisor; decisions are made by the Accommodations Coordinator. Where regular classroom provisions are insufficient, students must identify themselves as having a disability, provide satisfactory supporting documentation of that disability and its relevant limitations, and communicate with the Accommodations Coordinator to develop an appropriate accommodation that is aligned with the larger goals and learning outcomes of the University and specific program. Students should receive notification of the Accommodations Coordinator’s determination within two weeks of the receipt of the initial request and of all supporting documentation. Submission of a request for accommodations does not guarantee those accommodations. All supporting documentation will be confidential; instructors will be provided with a list of relevant accommodations.
Students cannot be given accommodations that would allow them to bypass one or more program outcomes, are not in keeping with the university’s mission, or would significantly interfere with the learning of other students. Likewise, accommodations may not be offered when the recommended modifications would not appropriately address the disability, where they contravene professional advice, or where they would incur excessive cost or levy an undue burden on Faculty or administrative staff. The Accommodations Coordinator will act at all times in compliance with ADA requirements but is expected to consider each request for accommodations with an understanding of the University’s mission, outcomes, and limitations, and may decline or defer requests for accommodations that are not feasible and fall outside ADA expectations. Students who do not provide all supporting documentation or respond to the Accommodations Coordinator’s requests for further information may not receive a determination in a timely manner, or may be rejected.
Accommodations for one program in the University may not be appropriate for all programs, and students who have received accommodations for classes in one program should communicate with the Accommodations Coordinator if enrolling in a separate program. Similarly, if the student also participates in the work-study program and the needed classroom accommodations are not viable for the student’s work-study position, a second application for a different accommodation may be necessary; if a reasonable accommodation cannot be found then the student may need to be transferred to another department, and/or found a different form of work.
Accommodations will not be implemented retroactively. Students whose previous experience or performance has been negatively impacted by an impairment or disability, and who were not in a position to have applied in advance for an accommodation, are encouraged to speak with their advisor about other university policies that may benefit them; students whose participation in the program would be dependent on the receipt of accommodations are encouraged to write to the Doorward and Accommodations Coordinator before enrolling in the program and to complete the application for the program and to request accommodations well before the term in which they hope to begin coursework.
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The Designated Officer for this policy shall be the Accommodations Coordinator who will be responsible for its implementation including ensuring that relevant Faculty and staff are aware of its provisions and can support and advise students appropriately.
The Interpreting Officer will be the Chief Academic Officer who shall have responsibility for the interpretation and oversight of this policy
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Accommodations Coordinator who shall make recommendations to the Strategy Council for changes based on experience and feedback from staff and students on its operation.
Outside of this timeframe, the Interpreting Officer shall have authority to make changes to the policy, should any legislative changes, court judgements or any other regulatory introductions or changes make this necessary. Such changes must be limited to those amendments necessary to bring the policy back into compliance and must be ultimately ratified by Strategy Council.
This policy effective 1 December 2023.