{"id":955,"date":"2024-12-10T15:25:05","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T15:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/?page_id=955"},"modified":"2026-07-16T17:06:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T17:06:21","slug":"accommodations-supports","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/accommodations-supports\/","title":{"rendered":"Accommodations &amp; Supports"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-955\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-955-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland is committed to providing access to all students who are eligible for support under the guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Approved accommodations are determined on an individual basis through our interactive process with each student. For more information about how the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) makes decisions about accommodations, please see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2026\/07\/st-marys-college-maryland-OAS-Reasonable-Academic-and-Housing-Accommodation-Analysis-Process-.pdf\">Reasonable Academic and Housing Accommodations Analysis Process.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our office provides accommodations for the academic, residential, and dining experience. Students must share their accommodations letter with each of their instructors if they wish to use their accommodations in that course. Accommodations are active after a student shares their letter with their instructor. Accommodations are not retroactive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-gold-buttons panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons-default-d75171398898-955\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><nav class=\"smcm-gold-buttons\"><ul><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#academic\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-graduation-cap\"><\/i>Academic Accommodations<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#residential\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-house\"><\/i>Residential Accommodations<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#esa\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-paw\"><\/i>Emotional Support Animal (ESA)<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#animal\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-shield-dog\"><\/i>Service Animal<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#dietary\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-bowl-food\"><\/i>Dietary Needs<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-955-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"academic\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-955-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>Academic<\/strong> Accommodations<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Academic accommodations are supports which are designed to give better access to the academic experience inside and outside of the classroom. Academic accommodations can look different for each student depending on their needs and what barriers they may face. Accommodations may even look different for an individual student from one semester to another. After a student registers with our office, they will be asked to complete an interactive meeting with a member of our staff. This meeting helps us to better understand the student\u2019s strengths, barriers, and strategies and how they relate to their disability or disabling health condition. A list of questions we ask is provided prior to this meeting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-1-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>When are academic accommodations potentially not reasonable?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p>Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis with consideration of the student\u2019s disability, the functional impact of the disability, and how this impact intersects with specific barriers or limitations within the academic environment. The goal is always to ensure equal access and opportunity to the academic experience.<\/p>\n<p>Reasonable accommodations will vary by situation, however, accommodations are typically not approved if they:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are requests made only because a student has a disability without showing any connection to a barrier in the SMCM environment that affects them more than other students.<\/li>\n<li>Primarily enhance success without addressing a limitation in the academic or campus environment that is affecting a student with a disability relative to other students in the same or similar situation.<\/li>\n<li>Are preferences that would make the academic or campus experience better for the student, but do not address any specific limitation in the SMCM environment that affects the student more than others<\/li>\n<li>Address challenges that can otherwise be managed through personal strategies or general student support (time management, tutoring, different study strategies, etc.).<\/li>\n<li>Lower academic standards or essential learning objectives.<\/li>\n<li>Eliminate required skill acquisition or prevent accurate assessment of learning.<\/li>\n<li>Reduce expectations common to all college students (e.g., participation, time management, content mastery).<\/li>\n<li>Fundamentally alter the nature of a program.<\/li>\n<li>Pose health or safety risks to the student or others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An accommodation that was approved in K\u201312 or at another college does not mean it will be approved at SMCM. Each school has its own process, which does not influence OAS decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, an accommodation may be reasonable due to a disability but not be reasonable in a specific course or setting. OAS may need to consult with faculty or other SMCM staff to decide if, and how, an approved accommodation can be implemented.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-955-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"residential\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-955-2\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>Residential<\/strong> Accommodations<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-2-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>For most housing accommodation requests, decisions are made through the Housing Accommodation Committee (HAC). HAC includes staff members from Residence Life, Counselling Services and the Wellness Center. After a student registers with our office, they will be asked to complete an interactive meeting with a member of OAS staff. A list of questions we ask is provided before this meeting. After the meeting, the student\u2019s self report will anonymously be presented to the committee members for decision-making. Housing accommodation requests can be made at any time of the year, however, placements are dependent on availability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-2-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>When are housing accommodations potentially not reasonable?<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p>A housing accommodation is generally not provided for the following reasons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Solely to ensure the student is successful at SMCM. Accommodations in higher education are to provide access, not success.<\/li>\n<li>To ensure a quiet, solitary place for studying. The SMCM Library and Learning Commons have spaces available for students to study, which can be reserved online.<\/li>\n<li>To increase comfort or alleviate discomfort in the housing arrangement (such as by having a specific roommate or having a roommate free experience to avoid addressing typical roommate conflicts). The Counseling Center has a meditation room, which can be reserved and each hall has quiet, sensory-friendly rooms, which can be used to decompress away from a roommate.<\/li>\n<li>To ensure a private space for virtual appointments. The Wellness Center has a telehealth suite that can be reserved.<\/li>\n<li>To serve as an alternative to the student developing the skills, abilities, and practices necessary to effectively live on campus (through trial-and-error, coaching, roommate agreements, SMCM resources, such as the Counseling and Psychological Services or other strategies).<\/li>\n<li>When a request is meant for the housing space to serve as part of a student's treatment plan for their diagnosis or for SMCM to serve as a student's primary treatment or medical plan\/resource.<\/li>\n<li>Due to financial concerns (whether related to disability or not).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes a housing accommodation may be reasonable for disability reasons but not possible in a specific housing situation. OAS works with the Office of Residence Life to explore other options when this happens. A requested accommodation may be unreasonable or not immediately possible if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All suitable rooms are already assigned for the semester \u2013 if approved for an accommodation, the student will be placed on a waiting list.<\/li>\n<li>It creates undue financial or administrative challenges for SMCM.<\/li>\n<li>It would fundamentally change housing policies that apply to all students.<\/li>\n<li>It poses a safety risk to others, the student, or property.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-955-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"esa\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-955-3\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>Emotional<\/strong> Support Animal (ESA)<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-3-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal selected for an individual with a disability by a healthcare or mental health professional to play a significant part in a person\u2019s treatment process. An ESA does not assist a person with a disability with activities of daily living, and does not accompany a person with a disability at all times. An ESA is not a Service Animal.<\/p>\n<p>Students requesting an ESA must get approval from the Office of Accessibility Services and register the ESA with the Office of Residence Life before bringing the ESA to campus. Depending on the circumstances, the Housing Accommodations Committee may be required to review the information or the Office of Residence Life may be consulted prior to a decision being made.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-3-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-last-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>PROCESS OF OBTAINING APPROVAL<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><ul>\n<li>Students requesting an ESA must <a href=\"https:\/\/smcm-accommodate.symplicity.com\/public_accommodation\/\">complete an Accommodation Request<\/a> for the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS).<\/li>\n<li>Students must submit supporting documentation from their health care provider. We have provided the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2025\/07\/SMCM_RequestForInformation_ESA_2025.pdf\">Emotional Support Animal Request for Information Form<\/a>\u00a0for convenience. The health care provider is not required to use this specific form; however, all the information requested is essential to evaluate the request for an ESA.<\/li>\n<li>The student requesting the ESA will meet with a staff member from OAS to discuss the ESA request. A list of questions we ask will be provided before the meeting.<\/li>\n<li>If approved, the student will work with the Office of Residence Life for further instructions as to how to proceed in bringing their animal on campus. The student will be required to submit two forms to the Office of Residence Life:<\/li>\n<li>Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Agreement and Registration will be shared with the student to review and sign (annually)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2026\/01\/SMCM-ESA-Vet-Verification-Form.pdf\">Vet Verification Form<\/a>\u00a0(annually)<\/li>\n<li>Alternative housing assignments may be considered for factors such as allergies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>If there is a concern about the safety of yourself, others, or the animal on campus, please contact the Office of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/residencelife\/\">Residence Life<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/public-safety\/\">Public Safety.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-955-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"animal\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-955-4\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>Service<\/strong> Animal<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-4-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"12\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the College\u2019s policy that individuals with a disability that require the assistance of a Service Animal may be accompanied by a Service Animal anywhere on the St. Mary\u2019s campus. A service animal is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities and do not need to wear any type of identifier such as a vest or tag. The sole exception to this policy is situations where the College determines that the presence of a service animal would \u201cfundamentally alter\u201d the program, service, or activity taking place on campus. In those situations, however, the College will make all reasonable efforts to provide the affected individual with an alternative means of experiencing the program, service, or activity. For more information on Service Animals (including Service Animals in training)\u00a0and SMCM\u2019s policy, refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/tothepoint\/pets\/\">To The Point Handbook section on Service Animals.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-955-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"dietary\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-955-5\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"13\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>Dietary<\/strong> Needs<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-955-5-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>For specific dietary restrictions due to a disabling health condition, OAS facilitates dining management plans. After registering and meeting with OAS, we work with the student and the manager of our dining facilities to explore their capacity to accommodate a specific dining need. For suspected allergic reactions or cross contamination while dining in the Great Room, contact our office.<\/p>\n<p>Students with meal plan accommodations can modify their plan at any time up to two weeks before the end of the semester. Contact the Office of Residence Life for pro-rated billing information.<\/p>\n<h3>Accommodations for temporary conditions<\/h3>\n<p>For temporary conditions such as recovery after surgery, injury, or concussion, we may be able to identify temporary accommodations. Please note we may require documentation from a provider which speaks to your limitations and planned recovery process.<\/p>\n<h3>Hospitalizations or family emergencies<\/h3>\n<p>If you have experienced a family emergency or a hospitalization not related to a disability or disabling health condition, please contact the Office of Student Success Services (OS3) at <a href=\"mailto: studentsuccessservices@smcm.edu\">studentsuccessservices@smcm.edu.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-955-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-955-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"max-width: 100%; width: 100%;\" href=\"https:\/\/smcm-accommodate.symplicity.com\/public_accommodation\/\">REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS<i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square\" style=\"color: #e9e9e9;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-955-6-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-955-6-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"max-width: 100%; width: 100%;\" href=\"https:\/\/smcm-accommodate.symplicity.com\/students\/\">LOG IN TO ACCOMMODATE<i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square\" style=\"color: #e9e9e9;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland is committed to providing access to all students who are eligible for support under the guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Approved accommodations are determined on an individual basis through our interactive process with each student. For more information about how the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) makes decisions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":1116,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-955","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","entry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=955"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1325,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/955\/revisions\/1325"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/office-accessibility-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}