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FAQ and Resources for Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions from Faculty

How will I know if a student needs accommodations?

A student requiring accommodations will present a letter from Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) identifying the specific accommodations for which he or she is eligible. Students are encouraged to make appointments with their instructors to discuss accommodation needs at the beginning of each quarter. One letter per class should be sufficient to provide accommodations; there is no need for students to formally request accommodations before each exam. Please let the student know if he or she should also deliver a letter to a TA.

How are testing accommodations arranged?

We encourage the students to discuss with their instructors possible ways to arrange their testing accommodation. There are advantages for students to take the exams with the class because they can ask questions, and if there are any changes during the exam, they would be informed of such changes. Students can either come earlier to start the exam before the rest of the class begins or stay longer after all the other students have left the exam room. Please be mindful of confidentiality of the students when making such arrangements. Another option is for you to make arrangement to have the students take the exam in your office or a separate room proctored by you or your TA.

What if I am unable to accommodate the student?

If the instructor is unable to proctor the students’ exams because of their need for accommodation, alternative testing arrangements, including extended time for testing and computer access, can be made through the SSD office. Students are responsible for turning in a completed Test Request Form 5 working days prior to each exam they need to take in the SSD office. Once the Test Request form is completed, SSD will email the instructor and ask the following:

What is the length of time given to your class to complete this exam?
What time is the exam scheduled?
If there is a scheduling conflict for a student or our office due to extended time required to complete an exam, would you prefer the student take the exam earlier or later than your planned administration time?
Are any aids, such as calculators or notes, permitted?
How would you like to handle test delivery? Tests can be emailed or faxed to SSD. Often faculty members or teaching assistants drop off and pick up exams. If approved by faculty, students can also pick up and return their tests in signed, sealed envelopes.

May I provide accommodations to a student who does not present a letter?

If a student asks for an accommodation but does not present a written document from SSD verifying eligibility for accommodations, it is strongly recommended that you contact SSD or ask the student to contact SSD. Similarly, if a student asks you for an accommodation, and that specific accommodation is not listed in the certifying letter from SSD, you are not obligated to provide it. If you are ever uncertain about your obligations, please call SSD.

Do I have to provide the accommodations listed in a letter if they do not fit with my philosophy or style?

Yes. Federal law requires that students who present the appropriate documentation and who are registered with SSD are entitled to the accommodations listed in instructor letters. Providing accommodations is a shared obligation of Northwestern University faculty and staff.

What accommodations are appropriate?

SSD grants accommodations to students with documented disabilities based on the recommendations of medical, mental health, or other appropriate professionals and on the needs of students. These accommodations do not fundamentally alter instructional programming. Examples of accommodations include extended time for testing, alternative test locations to reduce distractions, access to materials in alternative formats, and use of note-taking services. ++++ All students, including students with disabilities, are expected to attend class and turn assignments in on time. It is not a standard policy of SSD to allow students to be exempt from due dates or other essential components of their courses, but in some instances, arrangements for due date extensions can be made if a student’s symptoms are acute.

May I talk to students about their disabilities?

Some students may wish to keep specific disability information confidential, while others may choose to openly discuss their diagnoses and all related information with you. The decision to disclose disability information is made by the student. In most cases, you can best accommodate students by asking about their needs related to learning and fulfilling the requirements of your course. Most students aware of professors’ efforts to accommodate them are appreciative.

Are there any general modifications I might consider to make my courses more accessible?

Yes. Here are some ideas:

Provide lecture notes in electronic format. Text in electronic form can be paired with screen-reading software, which makes printed material accessible for students with various learning disabilities, visual impairments, or limited mobility. Additionally, students who qualify for use of note-takers can access electronic notes independently, instead of relying on classmates to make copies of notes.
Provide clear copies of handouts. When handouts are copied clearly, they can be easily scanned onto disk for use with screen-reading or braille-conversion software. This software is made available to students by SSD.
Include information about obtaining accommodations on your syllabi. It is Northwestern University’s obligation to inform students of the existence of SSD. Here’s an example of what you should include on your syllabi: Any student with a documented disability needing accommodations is requested to speak directly to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD; 847-467-5530) and to the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first two weeks of class). All discussions will remain confidential.
Consider students’ diverse learning styles when developing lectures and assignments. Any one of your classes may include students with reading difficulties, auditory processing deficits, and other learning disabilities or weaknesses. You can contribute to the success of your students by incorporating multiple media into your lectures and by varying the formats. For example, consider presenting a topic orally and reviewing it with an activity or with a written handout.
Please see our Instructional Strategies for Faculty page for more ideas.

Where can I get more information about SSD?

Search more of the faculty pages on this website, call us at 847-467-5530, use this direct link to our office email address, or stop by our office in the basement of Scott Hall.

Resources for Faculty

The resources listed on this page are for provided for the convenience of Northwestern faculty and do not represent an endorsement from the University. Please use this direct link to our email address if you'd like to suggest additional resources to be listed on this page. You may also find some of the resources for students useful.