Accommodation Appeal and Grievance Procedure
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to establish a fair, consistent, and transparent process for students to appeal decisions regarding disability-related accommodations and to address grievances related to the implementation of approved accommodations.
Students may submit an appeal if they disagree with a decision regarding the approval or denial of the requested accommodation. Students may also submit a grievance if they believe approved accommodation has not been implemented appropriately.
Dakota State University is committed to engaging in an individualized, interactive process with students and providing equal access to its programs, services, and activities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
This procedure ensures that accommodation decisions and grievances are reviewed in a timely, equitable, and consistent manner.
New or Additional Documentation
If a student obtains new or additional documentation that was not available during the initial review of an accommodation request, the student should submit the documentation to the Office of Disability Services rather than file an appeal.
The Office of Disability Services will review the updated information through the interactive process to determine whether additional or different accommodations are appropriate to provide the student with equal access to the University's programs, services, and activities.
Submitting new or additional documentation is not considered an appeal. Rather, it is a continuation of the interactive process.
Student Appeals of Non-Academic Accommodation Decisions
Non-academic accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Emotional Support Animal (ESA) requests
- Housing accommodations
- Meal plan accommodations
- Parking accommodations
Students are encouraged to first discuss any concerns regarding a non-academic accommodation decision with the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services will work collaboratively with the student to review the decision, answer questions, and attempt to resolve the concern through the interactive process.
If the concern cannot be resolved informally, the student may submit a written appeal within 30 calendar days of the accommodation decision using the this accomodation appeal form.
Appeals will be reviewed by a workgroup consisting of the Director of the Counseling Center, the Director of Residence Life, and other University officials, as appropriate. The Office of Disability Services will participate in the review process to provide relevant information regarding the accommodation request but will not serve as a voting member of the workgroup.
If the appeal cannot be resolved through this process, the Office of Disability Services shall forward the request for review to the Title IX Coordinator in accordance with South Dakota Board of Regents Policy 1:18.
Student Appeals of Academic Accommodation Decisions
Academic accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Extended testing time
- Reduced-distraction testing environment
- Note-taking assistance
- Audio or electronic textbooks
- Assistive technology
- Alternative formats
- Flexible attendance
- Assignment deadline flexibility
Students are encouraged to first discuss any concerns regarding an academic accommodation decision with the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services will work collaboratively with the student to review the decision and attempt to resolve the concern through the interactive process.
If the concern cannot be resolved informally, the student may submit a written appeal within 30 calendar days of the accommodation decision using this accomodation appeal form.
Appeals will be reviewed by the Office of the Provost. The Provost, or the Provost's designee, may consult with appropriate University officials as part of the review process. Information regarding the student's disability will be shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational interest and only to the extent necessary to evaluate the appeal.
If the appeal cannot be resolved through this process, the Office of Disability Services shall forward the request for review to the Title IX Coordinator in accordance with South Dakota Board of Regents Policy 1:18.
Grievances Regarding the Implementation of Approved Accommodations
Students who have concerns regarding the implementation of an approved accommodation or the accessibility of a university program, service, or activity should first contact the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services will work with the student and the appropriate University personnel to resolve the concern promptly through the interactive process.
Students may also file a formal grievance by visiting the DSU Report It page and submitting the Concerns/Complaints form.
If the grievance cannot be resolved informally, it will be referred to the Office of Disability Services for review in accordance with university procedures and South Dakota Board of Regents Policy 1:18.