Policy for Academic Accommodations of Students with Disabilities

Taken from section 5.5 in the Graduate Calendar:

“Below are excerpts from the Academic Accommodation of Student with Disabilities policy.

McMaster University is committed to excellence in teaching and learning. The University strives to ensure every student is afforded an academic environment that is dedicated to the advancement of learning and is based on the principles of equitable access and individual dignity. At McMaster we nurture and support a culture of acceptance, inclusion and the celebration of diversity. Creating a learning environment that is accessible to all students is a value embedded within the University’s fabric as well as our policies, services and practices.

Students must meet University and program/degree requirements, including participation in classes, labs, clinical or practicum placements, tutorials, etc. Students seeking an Academic Accommodation are required to participate fully in the Academic Accommodations process. This participation includes: a) when the student is aware of their disability and the need for Academic Accommodation, contacting Student Accessibility Services before classes or academic work begins; b) providing the information required so that Student Accessibility Services can assess the duty to accommodate and develop Accommodation Plans; c) after the approval of the Accommodation Plan, should the student have any questions they may choose to speak with their instructor, SAS advisor or Faculty Office to review steps for the implementation of the Accommodation Plan; d) notifying Student Accessibility Services of any changes that may impact already established Accommodation Plans in a timely fashion.

Student Accessibility Services requires adequate time to review requests and coordinate needed arrangements. Some accommodations take longer to arrange than others (e.g. sign language interpreters and transcriptions), and students with these types of requests should be particularly cognizant of the timing of their requests. Failure to make a request or supply the required documentation in a timely manner may delay the approval and/or implementation of the requested accommodation.

New students and transfer students are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services and submit their accommodation request as soon as possible after they receive their offers of admission, or by August 1st of the academic year, whichever comes first.