Academic Support Services
Office of Disability Services The Office of Disability Services coordinates accommodations and services for students with documented disabilities. The office’s Disability Specialists work closely with faculty, staff and the ADA/504 Compliance Committee to ensure that reasonable accommodations are made to provide program and facilities access to individuals with disabilities. For more information go to www.snhu.edu/603.asp.
Services to Students With Disabilities 1. Section 504 Compliance and ADA Compliance Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal assistance. Southern New Hampshire University intends to comply fully with Section 504 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended. Southern New Hampshire University’s ADA/504 policy is coordinated by the ADA/504 Compliance Committee, which endeavors to ensure that reasonable accommodations are made to provide program and physical access.
2. Self-Identification and Documentation of Disabilities While the university makes no pre-admission inquiry about an applicant’s disability, such knowledge can often be helpful in the admission process. We recognize that to disclose any disability is a personal choice that every applicant may exercise. We respect that choice; however, we encourage applicants with disabilities to self-disclose to the Office of Disability Services. It is only through self-disclosure that informed decisions can be made by the applicant regarding the suitability of Southern New Hampshire University. This information is also useful after the student is enrolled to access appropriate services. Accommodations can be made only after the student provides complete documentation to the Office of Disability Services. Documentation guidelines are available from the Office of Disability Services or online at www.snhu.edu/1347.asp.
3. Academic Responsibility While personal services and personal aides cannot be provided, reasonable accommodations will be provided to students with disabilities based on documentation and an intake interview between the student and the appropriate Disability Specialist. Such accommodations may include priority registration, auxiliary technology and other reasonable classroom and examination accommodations. In all instances, the classroom instructor is responsible for facilitating the learning and examination process (with assistance and advice from the Office of Disability Services).
4. Grievance Procedure Southern New Hampshire University has adopted an internal grievance procedure that provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints regarding any action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and by
Department of Education regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794). Section 504 states, in part, that “no otherwise qualified handicapped individual ... shall solely by reason of his handicap be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance...” Complaints should be addressed to: ADA/504 Compliance Officer Wellness Center Southern New Hampshire University 2500 N. River Road Manchester, NH 03106-1045 603.645.9679 or Fax 603.645.9711 The grievance procedure requires the following: 1. A complaint must be filed in writing, contain the name and address of the person filing it and briefly describe the alleged violations of the regulations. The Compliance Officer will provide assistance to any person whose disability interferes with filing a grievance in writing. 2. A complaint must be filed within 30 working days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing allegations of discrimination that occurred before this grievance procedure was in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.) 3. The ADA/504 Compliance Officer or his or her designee will conduct an investigation, as may be appropriate, following the filing of a complaint. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. 4. The ADA/504 Compliance Officer will issue a written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, and forward a copy to the complainant no later than 20 working days after the complaint is received. 5. The ADA/504 Compliance Officer will maintain the files and records of Southern New Hampshire University relating to the complaints filed. 6. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made within 10 working days to the ADA/504 Compliance Committee, which will involve other university officials as deemed necessary. 7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder will not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies, such as the filing of a Section 504 or ADA complaint with the responsible federal agency or department. Using this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies. 29