Prospective Students | University of Montevallo
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Prospective Students

Requesting Accommodations

  • Once a student is accepted to UM, and commits to attend, it is appropriate to begin the process of registering with DSS to request accommodations.
  • Students will need their UM email credentials to begin.
  • We communicate with students via their UM email, so it is important for students to check their UM email regularly.
  • We recommend that students who plan to request accommodations, begin the process as early as possible to ensure accommodations are in place for the first day of classes.

What are the differences Between High School and College for Students with Disabilities?

In High School In College
Student are 'entitled to education'. Students have a 'right to equal access to education'.
Accommodations are designed to make students successful and lead to graduation. Accommodations are designed to provide equal access to students with disabilities.
Students have a group of people making a specialized plan for their education (504 plan or IEP). Students are responsible for managing their accommodations and designing their educational experience.
Curriculum may be modified for students. Students with IEPs receive specialized instruction. Essential academic requirements cannot be fundamentally altered.
Teachers and case managers actively monitor students progress. Students are primarily responsible for monitoring their progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

504 and IEP plans do not automatically transfer to college. It can be helpful documentation when requesting accommodations. However, DSS often requires additional documentation of a diagnosed condition and the functional impacts. DSS will work with you through an individualized process to determine reasonable accommodations based on your disability-related needs. While some accommodations may be similar to those you received in high school, others may be different.

In college, students are responsible for identifying themselves to DSS and requesting accommodations. Unlike high school, accommodations are designed to provide equal access rather than modify essential academic requirements. In college students are expected to meet the same essential academic standards as their peers.

Parents and family members are welcome to support students through the transition to college. However, college students are generally responsible for communicating with DSS and participating in the accommodation process. DSS does need written consent from the student before discussing protected information with family members.

DSS facilitates academic accommodations that are specific to the classroom and learning environments. We do not offer personal services such as coaching, tutoring, or personal devices/technology.

We recommend exploring available resources at the University of Montevallo if you have a need that is not addressed through accommodations.

Disability documentation and the records related to DSS are considered confidential and are only shared with others within the University in very restricted circumstances. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows for extremely limited sharing of information on an ‘academic need-to-know’ basis.

Students must request faculty notification letters each semester for DSS to release information regarding student accommodations to faculty members. Generally, accommodation letters only include information about the student’s accommodation. Student’s may choose to disclose specific disability-related information, such as emergency medical information.

DSS cannot communicate with parents, guardians, and family members without student consent. Students may complete a Release of Information consent in the DSS Student Portal if they want to give DSS permission to speak with someone on their behalf.

In certain circumstances, information may also be shared when required or permitted by law, such as during a health or safety emergency.