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How to Notify Faculty

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You are responsible for introducing yourself to your professors and presenting your letter of accommodation. You will be provided with an electronic copy of your letter of accommodation that you will send to your professors.

1. Send an introductory email to your professors before the start of the semester with the subject line: Disability Accommodation. You can locate the professors' email addresses using the online directory or you can phone the department in which the course is listed.

2. In the body of the message state your full name, course, number, and section. State your reason for the email, and, if relevant, ask to set up a meeting to discuss your accommodations further. Attach the letter of accommodation to the message and copy the email to the OSD. This creates a record that you provided both notice and the letter of accommodation to your professor. Feel free to create your own statement following the above guidelines or to use any of the Sample Disclosure emails as a starting point. Remember, you do not have to disclose the specific nature of your disability, but rather what your professors should know is the impact of your disability.

Sample Disclosure emails

Basic

Professor (Blank),

My name is (Blank) and I am enrolled in your (course name, number, section). I am writing to let you know that I am a student with a disability that impacts academic studies. I am registered with the Office for Students with Disabilities and would like to request accommodations for your class. I'm copying Susan Lausier, the Director of the OSD, on this email so that she is aware of my request. Is there a time that I can meet with you to discuss the types of program modifications that I would like to request? I have attached the letter of accommodation from the OSD that outlines the types of accommodations that she and I agreed would be reasonable for me to request.

Requesting testing or notetaking modifications

Professor (Blank),

My name is (Blank) and I am enrolled in your (course name, number, section). I am a student with a disability and would like to request the use of testing modifications (or a notetaker) as a reasonable accommodation. I have attached a letter of accommodation from the Office for Students with Disabilities and am copying the Director on this email. If you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss this further, please let me know a convenient time.

Requesting attendance modifications

Professor (Blank),

My name is (Blank) and I am enrolled in your (course name, number, section). I am a student with a disability and I'm writing to you concerning my health. The functional limitations of my disability may impact my attendance and my ability to take exams and turn in assignments on time. I am currently receiving treatment and it is my goal to remain in good health for the entire semester.

However, at times my health can become so impaired that I may need to request the accommodation of flexibility with assignment dates and attendance. I recognize that this accommodation may or may not be reasonable and that there are limits as to how much flexibility is permissible. I also recognize that if I have to miss too many classes/assignments I may have to withdraw from the course.

I have attached a letter of accommodation from the Office for Students with Disabilities that outlines this modification and have copied Susan Lausier on this email. Please let me know if you would like to meet to discuss this further.