Procedures to Request Program or Course Modifications

College Procedures for Academic Course Modifications

Following a review of documentation, Disability Resources staff and/or LD Specialist will work with the student to develop a plan for accommodations and support services. Recommended academic modifications may include:

• use of auxiliary aids
• allowances for time and energy level
• considerations such as reduced course loads
• additional time for taking exams
• extensions of the time period permitted for the completion of degree require-ments
• substitutions of other acceptable assignments, courses, tests or test formats
• modifications in the manner in which the course is conducted
• physical modifications.

Students must meet with course instructors at the beginning of the semester to provide information regarding their disability and to discuss accommodations and strategies that will be appropriate. Disability Resources staff will provide supportive assistance and advocacy, and serve as a liaison between the student and the instructor when requested by the student.

College Procedures for Modifications of Academic Program or Major/Minor Requirements

Modifications in an academic program or in major/minor requirements may include additional time for meeting requirements, course or policy modification, adjustment of testing formats, or other reasonable adaptations. Disability Resources staff members are available to discuss possible modifications with the student based on documentation submitted.

The student must submit a request for modification in writing, to the Department Chairperson or Program Coordinator. The letter should provide a brief description of the disability and include a statement as to how the disability necessitates the modification requested.

College Procedures for Modifications of General Education or Degree Requirements

The student must submit a request for a substitution of general education or degree requirements in writing, to the appropriate school dean. The dean's office may refer the student to the Disability Resources staff to compile appropriate documentation to support the request. A substitution review committee will be convened to consider the request and will forward a decision to the school dean. When satisfied with the recommended decision, the dean will notify the student of the decision in writing.

In the review process the committee will examine not only the documentation pertaining to the disability, but also the impact the substitution will have on the student's academic program and career goals. Waivers are rarely granted; generally a student is directed to enroll in specific classes in substitution for the requirement. Petitions should be presented well in advance of the anticipated date of graduation to permit sufficient time to complete approved substitution coursework.

Note: Students who were exempt from foreign language or other specific classes in high school or at previous colleges should not assume that they will be automatically exempt at Bridgewater. Students are advised to meet with the LD Specialist or Disability Resources Coordinator to determine whether their documentation is sufficient to request consideration of a substitution for the college requirement.

Last Modified: August 3, 2006