Learning Disabilities and Accommodations

In keeping with its mission- Concordia University is committed to the full access and inclusion of all qualified students and its program. Disabilities & Learning Services (DLS) coordinates reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). If you are an individual with a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodation. To be considered for accommodations students need to contact the DLS Coordinator to schedule a phone appointment and submit proper documentation.

Any student with a documented learning, physical or mental disability who feels their disability may impact academic success may be qualified to receive accommodation. In order to guarantee accommodations, students are required to submit documentation no later than Friday of the first week of class. All discussions will remain confidential. Should an issue arise mid-semester, students should contact the DLS Coordinator as soon as possible. However, not all mid-semester requests can be guaranteed. Once your learning needs have been established and upon your consent, the DLS Coordinator will work with you, your professors and academic advisor, to obtain appropriate learning accommodations.

Liisa Ferguson can be reached by calling #503-280-8515 or by email at lferguson@cu-portland.edu

Steps to Receiving Accommodations

1. Complete and submit an Accommodation Request Form and Release of Information Form to the DLS Coordinator
2. Submit appropriate documentation (see Documentation Guidelines below) no later than Friday of the first week of class
3. Review and discuss accommodations with the DLS Coordinator (via email or phone) no later than the first week of class
4. Implementation of Accommodations
5. Continued communication with DLS Coordinator concerning requested accommodations for each course

Documentation Requirements*

1. Documentation must be completed by a qualified professional to assess and determine disability (i.e. psychiatrist, psychologist, doctor)
2. Documentation must be no more than 5 years old
3. Documentation must adequately describe the disability that could prevent academic success, and provide recommendations for accommodations. High school IEPs cannot be accepted as documentation.

*Click here for a full overview of Document Guidelines

Student Responsibilities

Although Concordia University offers services to assist students with disabilities, you have the responsibility to make your needs known. The most important factors to your university success are seeking help early and learning to advocate for yourself. Each student with a disability needing services has the responsibility to:

• Request the services and provide appropriate disability documentation
• Meet with the DLS Coordinate early regarding your accommodation needs, at least within the first week of classes
• Communication with your advisor and professors about your academic accommodations
• Follow the procedures for arranging accommodations through the Disabilities & Learning Services
• Communicate with the DLS if there are any questions or difficulties with the process