Services for Persons with Disabilities

The University of Puget Sound is committed to providing program access and appropriate support services to students with disabilities.  Support services may be provided for qualified individuals with learning disorders such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder, and for those with chronic physical or psychiatric disorders.  Students may identify a disability and request accommodations in the admission process, through academic advising, or by contacting the Coordinator of Disabilities Services.  Declaration of a disability is confidential and is not automatically a request for support services.  Detailed information about disabilities services may be obtained on the Disabilities Services Web site.

The university strives to provide reasonable accommodations based on individual needs.  Support services may include disabled parking, fully accessible campus housing, pre-admission interviews, wheelchair accessibility map, alternative testing, taped or large-print materials, extended time for taking examinations, note-takers, auxiliary aids, advising, mediation, and advocacy.  Accommodations such as extended time on exams require documentation which is current, thorough, and appropriate.  Students must provide adequate notice in requesting accommodations.

Students who are denied accommodations may appeal that decision to a hearing board consisting of the Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action Officer, the Associate Academic Dean/Registrar, the Associate Dean of Students/Title IX Compliance Officer, and a student selected by the hearing board in consultation with the ASUPS President.  The hearing board will promptly meet with the complainant, the Coordinator of Disabilities Services, and any other persons with information relevant to the complaint.  The parties involved may be asked to submit written statements in advance of the hearing.  Either party may question the other party or any other person providing information to the hearing board.  The hearing board will meet in closed session to reach a decision based on the information presented at the hearing.  The final decision will be communicated in writing to the complainant and the Coordinator of Disabilities Services.

Students may also file a grievance directly with the U.S. Office of Civil Rights; U.S. Department of Education; 915 Second Avenue; Seattle, WA 98174-1099; 206.220.7900; TDD 206.220.7907; or e-mail.

Questions or concerns about access or qualifying for support services should be directed to Ivey West, Center for Writing and Learning, Howarth 105, 253.879.2692, TDD 253.879.3399, e-mail.