Student Accessibility Services

Students need preparation for success not only in their college career but also in the community and workforce following graduation. Therefore, Mount Union is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities or unique challenges who demonstrate the potential for success in college.

Student Accessibility Services supports Mount Union's commitment to diversity and student success by providing services and accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges. Student Accessibility Services ensures accessible programs, services and a campus environment in compliance with local, state, and federal disability rights legislation. Student Accessibility Services also serves as a resource to faculty, staff, and the University community by providing consultation and advocacy services on issues related to compliance.

Students who wish to request accommodations in academics or housing must complete a request for accommodations and must provide supporting documentation of their unique needs. Requests for accommodation(s) will be determined based upon factors including the nature and timeliness of the request, the specific needs of the student, administrative feasibility, and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation. Accommodations are approved on an academic-year basis and must be renewed each academic year.

Inquiries and requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible in the academic term to achieve the best possible outcomes:

For academic accommodations, students are strongly encouraged to make a request prior to the start of the academic term whenever possible.
For housing accommodations, new students are strongly encouraged to make a request by the end of June (for the upcoming Fall term) in order to receive priority consideration. Returning students should make their accommodation requests in February (for the upcoming Fall term) prior to the housing lottery being conducted.

To request accommodations, or to address any related questions, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services at studentaccessibility@mountunion.edu or by calling (330) 823-7372.

Resources

View current Student Accessibility Services resources here.

Academic Accommodations

Mount Union students with disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges may be eligible for academic accommodations to be utilized while in the classroom and/or while testing and may request for specific accommodations. Requests for academic accommodations will be determined based upon factors including the nature of the request, the specific needs of the student, and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation.

Examples of the most commonly approved accommodations include:

Extended testing time
Low-distraction testing environment
Notetaking assistance
Preferential seating
Access to lecture materials prior to class
Audiobooks
Alternative exam formatting
Self-excuse from class for reasonable medically necessary breaks

Students who wish to request for academic accommodation must complete a request for accommodations and must provide appropriate documentation of their unique needs. Documentation may include medical records, education records, or other appropriate statements from licensed medical or mental health professionals. It is the student’s responsibility to provide SAS with all required documentation.

SHORT-TERM DISABILITIES

Mount Union students with short-term disabilities and injuries may be eligible for academic and housing accommodations due to physical injuries, surgeries, concussions, and similar short-term mobility or learning restrictions. SAS recognizes that short-term disabilities may limit a student’s ability to effectively write, type, study, ambulate, or drive. To assist students in these instances, short-term allowances for accommodations may include:

Extended testing time
Alternative exam formatting
Notetaking assistance
Preferential seating
Self-excuse from class for reasonable medically necessary breaks
Handicapped parking pass
Transportation assistance between University buildings
Elevator use in some residence halls
Specific concussion-related academic accommodations as prescribed

Students who wish to request for short-term accommodations must complete a request for accommodations and must provide appropriate documentation of their unique needs. Documentation may include medical records or other appropriate statements from licensed medical or mental health professionals. It is the student’s responsibility to provide SAS with all required documentation.

TECHNOLOGY ACCOMMODATIONS

The University of Mount Union is committed to ensuring equal access to course content and learning for students with disabilities that may interfere with the traditional use of media or technology. To that end, SAS ensures that students with qualifying disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges are accommodated in their use of technology as a vital component of their education. Student Accessibility Services strives to utilize and provide students with state-of-the-art options for technology, and we are always eager to collaborate with students on new suggestions. Examples of accommodated technology offerings include:

Screen reader software
Dictation software
Audiobooks
Audio recording software and smartpens
Custom-ordered supportive devices and software

Any prospective or current Mount Union students who may be concerned about their ability to access University websites, software, media or technology should contact Student Accessibility Services at studentaccessibility@mountunion.edu or (330) 823-7372 for assistance.

Housing Accommodations

The University of Mount Union values the importance of living with your peers in a traditional college housing experience as a core component of a residential, liberal arts college education.

Mount Union students with disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges may be eligible for accommodations while living in University housing and may apply for a variety of specific accommodations. Requests for housing accommodations will be determined in consultation between the Directors of Student Accessibility Services and Residence Life, based upon factors including the nature of the request, the specific needs of the student, and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation.

Examples of the most commonly allowed accommodations include:

Placement in specific rooms (first floor, located near restrooms, etc.)
Placement in specific housing facilities (environmental needs, located near parking, etc.)
Specialized considerations for roommates and furniture
Emotional Support Animals
Support for Dietary restrictions and food allergies

Students who wish to apply for housing accommodations must complete a request for accommodations and must provide appropriate documentation of their unique needs. Documentation may include medical records, education records, or other appropriate statements from licensed medical or mental health professionals. It is the student’s responsibility to provide SAS with all required documentation.

It is important to note that, generally speaking, documentation must show that the student’s activities of daily living will be significantly impacted due to their unique circumstance in order be granted housing accommodation. This is especially true of first-year students requesting to live in University housing that is traditionally reserved for students at a higher class standing.

DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS

Students with unique dietary needs, restrictions, or allergies can receive a great deal of support from the University of Mount Union. AVI Food Systems Inc., Mount Union’s tailored food service provider, is one of the area’s best as it provides a variety of options to satisfy a wide array of taste palates and nutritional needs. To ensure that student’s dietary needs are understood, accommodated, and cared for, the following provisions are in place when dining on campus.

Made-to-order food options available (sandwich station, omelet station, etc.)
Gluten-free options available
Ingredient information available to help avoid allergens
Allergy-friendly dining station where top allergens are banned ingredients
Working one-on-one with students for specific requests
Procedures in place to lower the risk of cross-contact of food allergens
Foods marked with allergen warnings
Allergen-trained
Registered Dietician on staff

The University of Mount Union compares favorably to other institutions in Ohio to be listed on the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) website, which allows site visitors to search institutions based upon their food allergy and celiac disease accommodations on campus. Read more about Mount Union's accommodations by visiting FARE's website.

The University of Mount Union requires students living in traditional and suite-style halls to participate in a full-service meal plan.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS

Mount Union students with disabilities and unique physical or academic challenges may be eligible for accommodations while living in University housing and may apply to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) live in their University Housing. The University of Mount Union has developed a specific ESA policy that interested students should read and understand before applying to house an ESA on campus.

Students who wish to apply for an ESA on campus must have a supporting statement completed by their treating medical professional to be considered for an ESA. Additional documentation must be provided including veterinary records and signed roommate consent. Students are responsible for the care of their ESA and must maintain full compliance with all University policies regarding campus housing, safety, and student conduct. Failure to comply with applicable policies may result in loss of the privilege to house an ESA on campus.

Requests for ESA’s will be determined based upon factors including the nature of the request, the specific needs of the student, and the reasonableness of the requested accommodation. ESA requests are determined in consultation between the Directors of Student Accessibility Services and Residence Life.

Contact Student Accessibility Services at studentaccessibility@mountunion.edu or (330) 823-7372 for request or for more information.