Student Rights and Responsibilities

Access to Higher Education

Within the limits of its facilities, National Louis University is open to all applicants who are qualified according to its admission requirements.              

1. The institution will publish in the Student Guidebook or the University Course Catalog the characteristics and expectations of students that it considers relevant to its programs.
2. Under no circumstances will an applicant be denied admission because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background or disability.

Compliance with Federal Nondiscrimination Regulations

Several federal regulations have been adopted that have as their purpose the protection of students’ rights. Of particular interest are the following:

1. Equal Opportunity: National Louis University supports the principles of equal opportunity for employment to all qualified persons without regard to Race, Gender, Religion, Color, National Origin or Age.
2. Title IX: National Louis University does not discriminate on the basis of Gender, in accord with Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, in its Educational programs, Admission Policies, Activities or Employment Policies. This Legislation provides that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of Gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes protection from sexual harassment. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Department of Diversity, Access and Equality or to the Director of the Offices of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: National Louis University does not discriminate against Individuals with Disabilities in its Educational programs, Admissions Policies, Activities, or Employment Policies. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination solely because of their disability, under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, places of public accommodations, state and local government services and telecommunications. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Department of Diversity, Access and Equality or to the Director of the Offices of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
4. On-campus grievance procedures for alleged violations of the non-discrimination regulations are the same as those employed for challenging violations of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

National Louis University affords equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, political beliefs, marital status, military status, and unfavorable military discharge other than dishonorable.

Discrimination

Any student with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination based on gender is encouraged to contact the Title IX Coordinator at dlaban@nl.edu. Any student with questions or concerns about all other types of discrimination is encouraged to contact the Department of Diversity, Access and Equity at 847.947.5275 or DAE@nl.edu. Students can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Alternatively, students may also contact the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to report discrimination based on the identities listed above:

Illinois/Wisconsin Regional Office  500 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60661

Florida Regional Office, 61 Forsyth St. W. Ste. 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303

Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including permanent dismissal from the University.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Basic Policy

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment or FERPA, National Louis University protects the rights of students and their parents with relation to the accuracy and privacy of their educational records. In accordance with the provisions of this act, National Louis University has established basic policies to prevent the release of any personally identifiable information regarding any of its students, without first having received the consent of the student (or, in some instances, the parent). In addition, procedures have been established by which a student (or, in some instances, a parent) may request to examine his/her educational records, may challenge any portion of the record, and may request the opportunity to have any inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data deleted or corrected, or may have inserted into the record a written explanation regarding the content of the record.

Please note, as of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which your education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records — including your Social Security Number, grades, or other private information — may be accessed without your consent. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities ("Federal and State Authorities") may allow access to your records and PII without your consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is "principally engaged in the provision of education," such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to your education records and PII without your consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when we object to or do not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive your PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without your consent PII from your education records, and they may track your participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about you that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.

Generally, these rights belong to the student. However, the parents of a student who is financially dependent upon the parents (as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954) may have access to the student’s record without first obtaining the student’s consent. 

Release Policy

To totally prohibit the release of even a student’s name or dates of enrollment, for example, would be as much a disservice to students as it would be an imposition on the daily functioning of the school. The law permits certain categories of information to be designated as directory information and to be released without requiring written consent, provided the student (or parents where appropriate) has been notified what information is included as directory information and has been given a specific time to request any such information to be withheld from release.

The University has designated as directory information the following categories:

• Student’s name
• Local address, telephone numbers, and NLU email address (of currently enrolled students only)
• Dates of enrollment
• Major field of study
• Diploma or degree awarded
• Honors or awards received
• Announcement of public performances and ceremonies officially recognized by the University

Information designated by National Louis University as directory information may be individually released without prior consent unless the student (or parent) requests in writing to withhold release. Any such request to withhold release of directory information will apply to all directory information. Students should send such a request to the Office of Admissions and Records.

No other personally identifiable information about a current or former student may be released to any person or agency outside the University except by the written, signed, and dated request of the student (or parent where appropriate) specifying the information to be released and to whom it is to be released. National Louis University is not required, however, to provide a third party access to education records even when the student has provided consent. Parents and spouses of students may obtain non-directory information only at the discretion of the university and after the consent form has been received. The University reserves the right to deny direct access to student records to other third parties without providing explanation. At the request of the student (or parent), a copy of the information to be released will be provided when he or she consents to the release. (The Privacy Act provides for a number of exceptions to this rule whereby information may be released to accrediting agencies, certain federal and state authorities, for reason of emergencies related to the health and safety of the student, etc., without notifying the student or parent. A list of such exceptions may be obtained upon request. Emergency release of information may be necessary on approval of an appropriate administrative officer. In addition, notification shall not be given if the student [or parent, where appropriate] has directly made the request for the release of information.) In situations in which confidential records are being discussed, the University reserves the right to restrict third-party participants. Within the University, certain information within a student’s record may be necessary for an individual or an office for whom it was not originally collected. Such information may be made available to University officials, including instructors, having legitimate educational interests.

The University shall maintain a record of all individuals or agencies that have requested or obtained access to a student’s educational records and the legitimate interest they have in such records. The University shall keep this record as part of the student’s total educational record, subject to the same restrictions on release and access. The University shall not maintain records of release of directory information requested directly by the student (or parent where appropriate) or requested by individuals within the school who have legitimate educational interest.

Whenever personally identifiable information about a student is released, the University shall stipulate, in writing, that the person or agency to whom it is released may not transmit such information to another individual or agency without the prior written consent of the student or parent of students below the post-secondary level. 

Student Right to Access

Students currently or formerly enrolled in the undergraduate or graduate school may request access to their own educational records with the following exceptions:

1. Medical and psychological reports and records are not open for review, although the University nurse or other recognized professional may act as a student’s agent and review the record for him/her upon the student’s request.
2. Confidential letters and statements of recommendation, written before January 1, 1975 and used only for the purpose for which they were obtained are not open for review.
3. Parent’s Confidential Statements and eligibility reports are not open for student’s review without parental written consent.

Although the rights provided for by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 belong primarily to the student once he or she is enrolled at a post-secondary level of education, the parents of students who are financially dependent upon them (as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954) may request access to the student’s record without the prior consent of the student, with the same exceptions as listed above. 

Waiver of Right to Access

In the following situations, the University shall provide students (or parents, where appropriate) with the means of waiving their right of access to certain limited parts of their educational record for the purpose of preserving confidentiality:

1. Letters of recommendation required for admission.
2. Letters of recommendation collected for a student’s credential file in both the undergraduate and graduate colleges to be used in pursuit of employment.
3. Letters of recommendation used in connection with a student’s eligibility for honorary recognition.

Whenever a student chooses to waive the right of such access, this limited waiver of the right of access applies to the parents, as well. In all three of the above listed situations, where the student or parent waives the right of access, the student (or parent, where appropriate) may request notification of the names of persons making recommendations and the University will provide them with such names.

In providing the means of waiving the right of access, the school shall place this option in writing as part of the printed form being used to obtain statements of recommendation. A student shall indicate in writing his/her choice of waiving or not waiving the right of access to this information before the form is given to other individuals to write their recommendations. Once a recommendation has been received, a student may not change his/her decision with regard to waiving the right to access to that recommendation. 

Procedure for Access

To obtain access to any part of a student’s educational record, the student (or parent where appropriate) shall be required to submit a written request to the individual in charge of the office that keeps the records in question. An opportunity to examine the student’s file shall be provided as soon as possible and no later than 45 business days after the date of the initial request. The file must be examined within the office and in the presence of the administrator in charge of the office. 

Procedure for Challenging the Record and Informal Proceedings

Should a student or parent (or another agent acting on their behalf in the case of medical or psychological records) feel that certain information within the educational record is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate, and wish to challenge such information, the parent or student may request a formal or informal hearing of their objections. The formal hearing request must be made in writing to the official representing the University in whose presence the record is being examined.

This official may offer to hear the objection at that time and thereby attempt to settle the objection in an informal way. Should such official be convinced of the validity of the objections made, they may, at that time, remove incorrect, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate information from the file; correct such information so that it is correct and satisfactory to the person stating the objections; or he or she may insert into the record an explanatory note written by the student or the parent. A summary of the proceedings, objections, and results shall be kept by that office, not in the student’s file. 

Formal Hearing

Should the individual hearing the objections not be convinced of their validity and should the person making the objection not be satisfied by the explanations given or by the offer to settle the objection informally, a formal hearing may be held. The student or parent desiring such a hearing shall make a written request to the administrator of that office and shall be contacted within one week to establish a time for the hearing. The hearing should take place no later than three weeks following the written request, providing that school is in session.

Under such circumstances, the objections shall be heard by a group of three representatives of the University, to be appointed by the President or by a designated substitute—none of the representatives to be directly involved with the information under objection. The hearing shall be conducted by one of the representatives appointed to chair the hearing. The student may bring to the hearing another person who may advise but who may not represent him/her. The chairperson shall present the information being questioned and shall give the student (or parent) requesting the hearing a full and fair opportunity to state the objections being made. The student shall, at this time, present any evidence to substantiate his/her objections. The chair shall then request the individual responsible for the information about which the objection has been made to state the rationale for the existing information and defend its validity. The chair shall then give the members of the hearing committee the opportunity to question both parties. The chair shall then invite concluding statements from each party. The objector shall be notified in writing as soon as possible of the committee’s decision. 

Record of Hearing

Should their decision be in favor of the objector, deletions or corrections in the student’s record shall be made immediately, and a summary of the hearing, the objections and the determinations made shall be recorded in the office where the information objected to is kept in a file, though the account of the hearing shall not appear in the student’s record. Should the decision be in favor of retaining the already existing information without change, the record shall be retained as is and a summary of the hearing, the objections and decisions made shall be recorded in the office where the information objected to is kept in a file, though the summary of the hearing shall not appear in the student’s record. Once a particular item in the educational record has been challenged and formally heard, a challenge of the same item shall not be heard again.

Additional Information Regarding FERPA

More detailed information concerning the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 may be obtained by examination of the act itself, as amended. 

Maintenance of Records

In maintaining a student’s educational record, the University shall collect part or all of the following information: name; address; social security number; phone number; date of birth; sex; ethnicity; marital status; citizenship status; names of elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools attended with dates and diplomas or degrees earned; activities, awards, and work experiences; parents’ names, addresses, phone numbers and occupations; business address and phone numbers; emergency telephone numbers; transcripts; grades received; reports of standardized tests; degree and program evaluations; course evaluations; competency sheets; registration forms; medical forms and records; financial assistance applications; confidential financial statements and eligibility reports; records of student fee payments; student-completed questionnaires; counselor reports and notes; letters of recommendation; placement records; and correspondence.

Letters of recommendation are used as admission documents only. They are not intended nor will they be used for any other purpose.

This information is kept by various offices and departments:

• Admissions
• Alumni Relations
• Career Services
• Diversity, Equity, and Access
• Financial Aid
• Provost
• Registrar
• School College Relations (National College of Education)
• Student Accounts
• Student Affairs
• Student Counseling
• Student Health
• University Ombudsman

Detailed educational records, as defined above, are kept no longer than two years after a student terminates enrollment in one of the University colleges and are then destroyed, with the following exceptions:

1. The Office of Admissions and Records maintains student files until five years after the last date of attendance or degree date. Transcripts of all academic credit earned at the University are maintained permanently.
2. The Alumni Relations Office maintains directory information on all graduates.
3. The Financial Aid Office maintains financial aid and student account records for a minimum of three years from the date the student last attended.
4. The Student Accounts Office retains quarterly financial summaries of student fee payments and individual student files concerning Perkins Loans necessary to meet statutory requirements.
5. The Office of School College Relations (NCE) permanently retains information files related to professional study: evaluation, notation, etc.
6. The Office of Student Experience and the Office of the Provost maintain disciplinary records for five years.

Financial Obligations

Students voluntarily accept the services of the University with full responsibility for the payment of all tuition, fees and other charges as scheduled in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog, listed on the University website and in other official notices. Electronic Statements of Account are posted to the NLU Student Portal on a monthly basis. It is the student’s responsibility to review the Statement of Account, verify that financial aid is disbursed and payments have been received, and contact the Office of Student Finance with questions regarding charges within 30 days of posting. Satisfactory arrangements must be made with the Office of Student Finance for the settlement of all accounts balances before a student may register, receive a diploma, obtain a transcript, or have enrollment or degrees confirmed. The cancellation of a student’s enrollment may result if bills are past due or payment obligations have not been met.

Students must make restitution when they are responsible for the loss of or damage to University property or to the personal possessions of others.

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This act protects millions of Americans with disabling conditions from discriminatory practices in public accommodations (including, colleges and universities), employment transportation and telecommunications. The ADA extends the coverage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Section 504 is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It provides that no qualified disabled person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives or benefits from federal financial assistance. National Louis University supports this philosophy.

According to the ADA, disabled person means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment. The ADA protects every person who either has, used to have, or is treated as having, a physical or mental disability which substantially limits one or more major life activity.

Since the passage of the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) in 2008, National Louis University has endeavored to ensure that qualified students are not discriminated against by way of demanding extensive medical and/or clinical documentation of a student’s disability and its impact on access to higher education.  As such, the standard for documentation submitted by a student seeking academic accommodations has been adjusted to reflect the wider protections against discrimination on the basis of disability as enumerated in the ADAAA.

Public Services Access and Accommodation

National Louis University will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabling conditions by excluding them from participating in or denying them the benefits of the services, programs or activities of the university.  Public facilities of NLU, including student common areas, auditoriums, libraries, athletic/recreational facilities, etc., must be accessible to individuals with disabling conditions. The specifics of the institutional policies related to Public Services Access and Accommodation are delineated in other institutional policies.

Employment Policy

National Louis University (NLU), as an employer of students, faculty and staff, will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabling conditions as defined under the ADA and must reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants or employees unless undue hardship would result. The specifics of the employment policy are delineated in the Human Resource policies.

Policy on Students with Disabilities

Preface

National Louis University, with this policy statement, asserts its commitment to students with disabilities. Underlying this policy, which is of necessity written in legalistic and prescriptive terms, is a firm belief in the value that the University places on students with disabilities. The faculty and administration believe that such students have a contribution to make to the University community and to society.

The University faculty and administration recognize that students with disabilities have often been prevented from achieving their potential. This policy will ensure that this does not happen at National Louis University. It is intended that National Louis University be an institution that welcomes, supports, values, and enhances the education of students with disabilities.

I. Rights and Responsibilities

 

A. University Rights and Responsibilities

 

The rights and responsibilities of National Louis University administrators, academic administrators, and the faculty relate to implementing criteria for the assessment, placement and accommodation of applicants and students with a disability.

 

National University, through the Office of the Provost and Chief Academic Officer, has an obligation (right) to maintain the integrity of its academic programs and to fairly and consistently uphold academic standards. The University understands its obligation (responsibility) to provide reasonable accommodations and academic adjustments and to provide applicants and students with a disabilities the opportunity to succeed. To meet its commitment to provide access to academic programs and courses, the University acknowledges its rights and responsibilities by articulating specific procedures herein to ensure that a consistent academic decision making process is followed in the admissions process and where appropriate, in the selection of reasonable accommodations. The University has an obligation to:

1. Ensure that University courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities, when viewed in their entirety, are offered in the most integrated and appropriate settings.
2. Provide information regarding policies and procedures to students with disabilities and assure its availability in accessible formats upon request.
3. Evaluate students on their abilities, not their disabilities.
4. Provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids for students with disabilities in response to timely requests by applicants and students.
5. Maintain appropriate confidentiality of records and communication concerning applicants/students with disabilities except where disclosure is required by law or authorized by the applicant/student.

B. Applicant/Student Rights and Responsibilities

 

The rights and responsibilities of applicants and students with a disabilities relate to qualification for, admission to, and completion of University programs and course.

1. The University’s rights and responsibilities must be understood in the context that otherwise qualified applicants for admission and students with documented disabilities that meet the University’s qualifications and essential technical, academic, and institutional standards also have rights. These include the right to:

   1. Equal access to courses, programs, services, job, activities, and facilities available through the University.
   2. Reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids determined on a case-by-case basis.
   3. Appropriate confidentiality of all medical or psychoeducational information pertaining to his/her disability with the choice of whom to disclose their disability to except as required by law. (Access to information within the University is limited to those persons involved in the admission/accommodation decisions as provided for herein.)
   4. Access to admissions and academic information, which is reasonably available in accessible formats.

2. The University is fully committed to ensure that every otherwise qualified applicant for admission and student with a documented disability that meet the University's qualifications and the essential technical, academic, and institutional standards are afforded the opportunity for admission and are afforded the opportunity to succeed in University programs and courses. In support of that commitment, applicants and students with documented disabilities must recognize that they have a responsibility to:
   1. Identify themselves in a timely manner (within the first two weeks of class) as an individual with a disability when seeking an accommodation.
   2. Academic accommodations may be approved after the first week of a course, but no approved accommodation will be applied retroactively. 
   3. Provide medical or psychoeducational documentation from an appropriate professional source that verifies the nature of the disability, functional limitations, and the need for specific accommodations.
   4. Follow specific procedures outlined herein for obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids.

II. Admissions and Recruitment Procedure

1. The Recruitment and Admissions Process:
   1. Qualified persons with a disability may not, on the basis of disability, be denied admission or be subjected to discrimination in admission or recruitment.
   2. It is illegal for any university to make pre-admission inquiries about a student’s disability.
   3. National Louis University personnel may not make pre-admission inquiries as to whether an applicant for admission is a disabled person.
   4. Ensure that all applicants who are denied admission are provided with an opportunity to appeal the decision through the appropriate academic appeals policy. (The Policy of Academic Appeals is found in the Student Guidebook and the Faculty Handbook.) If an applicant feels he/she has been denied admission because based on a disability, the individual may file a discrimination charge with the Library & Learning Support Specialist (LLSS) for ADA accommodations or if the charge is against the LLSS, the individual may file a charge with the Office of the Provost and Chief Academic Officer.
   5. Included in the University Admissions Packet will be a statement (see attachment) that outlines for the student the opportunity to self-identify after admission to NLU and requests accommodations as needed to assist with his or her matriculation as a member of the NLU community.
   6. Any medical or psychoeducational documentation provided is confidential and cannot be released to anyone without the applicant/student’s permission.
   7. Once a student asks for special accommodations (self-identifies), the student must be referred to the LLSS or appropriate Student Disability Representative who will implement this policy.
2. Post-Admissions Accommodation Process

Library & Learning Support Specialist - part of the responsibility of the person who is Library & Learning Support Specialist is to serve as the University’s Student Disabilities Coordinator. The LLSS is directly  responsible to the Provost and Chief Academic Officer, the Senior Vice President for Student Services  and to the President in these matters. The LLSS coordinates all student accommodation requests and delivery for all the university’s campus locations. Appropriate personnel from LLSS are called upon to assist with facilitation of accommodations as needed. The LLSS will:

1. Implement this procedure in response to an individual who has self- identified as having a disability,     the request of a faculty member and/or the request of an academic administrator.

2. Request current medical or psychoeducational documentation from the applicant/student that was                   completed by an appropriate professional source to verify the need for reasonable accommodations,     academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids.  The currency of submitted documentation will be                         weighed in conjunction with other factors relevant to the impact of a present disabling condition.

3. Since the passage of the ADAAA in 2008, national guidelines for reputable documentation should                   take a three-tiered approach:

    a. Primary - self-report from student

b. Secondary- observation and interaction with student by LLSS

    c. Tertiary -medical letter/psycho educational report (accommodation letter from institution of higher education the student attended previously could also suffice as valid documentation) (“Supporting Accommodation Requests: Guidance on Documentation Practices,” April 2012, Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)).

3. In the event that the student does not have current medical or psychoeducational documentation, or documentation is not sufficient, advise the student on methods for obtaining appropriate documentation of his/her disability. A list of reputable referral sources will be provided for students in these instances.

4. In the event that the student has submitted documentation of a psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological nature, provide the LLSS with the medical or psychoeducational documentation for  assessment. The LLSS will, in turn, when warranted, consult with the academic department/program administrator and other appropriate individuals (e.g. Program Chair, Associate Dean, Dean, Office of Student Experience and/or a facilities person) to develop a consensus as to an appropriate disposition/accommodation. If the DSR has been the designate person for the consultation, he/she will advise the LLSS of the result of that consultation. 

5. In the event physical adjustments and/or auxiliary aid(s) are required for physical disability, review the request for accommodation, the medical documentation, the university's ability to accommodate and make an appropriate decision regarding an accommodation (in some situations, it may be appropriate to consult with the program administrator, Office of Student Experience or persons responsible for facilities prior to making a decision).

6. When the Library & Learning Support Specialist  has made his/her final decision regarding a reasonable         accommodation, the Library & Learning Support Specialist will: 

1. Advise the student of the decision.
2. If a student requests to meet with the LLSS if dissatisfied with the decision, attempt to obtain student agreement as to the accommodation (this may necessitate a meeting with the LLSS and/or the academic department/ program administrator.
3. Inform students with disabilities of University policies and procedures for filing a formal grievance through LLSS or by initiating an appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs if the grievance is against the LLSS.
4. Ensure that the admitted student with a disability receives the appropriate accommodation.
5. Assure confidentiality of all information pertaining to a student’s disability.
6. If the LLSS is unable to perform any of the responsibilities of his/her role for an extended period of time, a  previously designated individual from Library & Learning Support will fulfill that role.

1. Current Student:
   
   1. Provide the LLSS generally acting in the capacity of Student Disability Representative (out-of-state campuses), with appropriate medical, psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological documentation indicating the student’s disability and suggested accommodation.
   2. Provide a signed consent authorizing the LLSS to discuss his/her need for reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids with the professional source of his/her medical or psychoeducational documentation.
   3. Meet with the LLSS to discuss the admissions decision and to determine if an appropriate reasonable accommodation can be made, and to provide input on appropriate academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids.
   4. Students enrolled in the four-term academic year system or a sequenced field or clustered program will formally request accommodations by submitting to the LLSS a complete accommodation request form.  This step includes indicating the student’s needs (e.g., extended time to complete exams, note taking assistance, classroom relocation, laboratory assistant, etc.).
   5. Once a decision has been reached by the LLSS and the student has been notified, the student is strongly encouraged to contact his/her course instructor either two weeks before the start of the next course or as soon as practicable to ensure that accommodations may be coordinated with the LLSS.
   6. Inform the faculty member via discussion with a letter to follow that has generally been developed between the student and the LLSS and perhaps with input from the faculty member when appropriate prior to the beginning or within the first two weeks of each course about the nature of his/her disability, how performance may be affected, and necessary and reasonable accommodations.
   7. Meet the timelines and procedural requirements established by the LLSS and coordinated with the faculty member, for scheduling exams, requesting assistance, arranging with a faculty member for getting the exam to a location of testing. If the student fails to provide adequate notice of the need for space and/or assistance, he/she is still entitled to the accommodation, but there is no guarantee that it can be provided in the fullest measure.
   8. If the the student fails to comply with these requirements, he/she will receive a written reminder of responsibilities in order to stress the importance of these requirements
2. Returning Student:

1. A student with a disability who left the University in good academic standing and applies for readmission within three academic years, may be readmitted based on the previously submitted documentation or may submit updated material if they wish to modify a previously agreed upon accommodation.
2. A student with a disability who left the University in good academic standing and applies for readmission more than three academic years after leaving, must submit new or updated documentation and go through the same process with the Library & Learning Support Specialist as they did after their initial university admission.
3. A student with a disability who has been dropped from a program for academic reasons may apply for readmission in accordance with the current University Catalog requirements for readmission. The University Graduate and Undergraduate Directors of Admissions may consult with the LLSS for input.

IV. The Faculty Responsibilities - A faculty member should not make an accommodation on his or her own initiative; the Library & Learning Support Specialist has access to resources within the University which  will ensure that the appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids are made available on a case-by-case basis.

1. To ensure that admitted students with disabilities have the greatest opportunity for success in their courses, faculty members have the responsibility to comply with the following:
   1. Provide appropriate accommodations as specified by the LLSS.
   2. Once an admission decision is made and a student is enrolled in a course, a faculty member may, on a confidential basis, discuss a demonstrated need of assistance with a student and may suggest that the student seek assistance with LLSS. Or, if a student who has not previously self-identified wishes to declare a disability, the faculty member must direct the student to the LLSS.
   3. Discuss any concerns related to accommodations or arrangements that have been requested by the student with the LLSS and the academic department director/administrator when warranted.
   4. Discuss academic issues related to meeting course objectives with the academic department head or program administrator/director when warranted to include methods for ensuring that the student meets those objectives within the criteria set by the agreed upon accommodations.
   5. Provide appropriate accommodations, either personally or by making arrangements with the LLSS, Office of Student Affairs or academic department head or program director when warranted.
   6. Assure the timely delivery of an examination or other graded assignment, along with all necessary instructions and materials for proper administration, if an examination or assignment is to be administered outside of class. The faculty member may also make arrangements with the student for the delivery and return of the examination or assignment.
   7. Maintain a safe and secure environment for all students regardless of status with particular emphasis on emergency egress.
   8. Assure the confidentiality of information regarding students with disabilities.

V. Academic Adjustments/Accommodations

1. National Louis University shall make such modifications to academic requirements as are necessary to ensure that such requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating, on the basis of disability, against a qualified disabled applicant or student. Academic requirements that are essential to the program of instruction being pursued by such student or to any directly related licensing requirement, will not be regarded as discriminatory within the meaning of this section.
2. Modifications may include changes in the length of time permitted for the completion of degree requirements and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted. The university shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that no disabled student is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under the education program or activity operated by the university because of the absence of educational auxiliary aids for students with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills.
3. Faculty Guide in Assisting Students with Disabilities, 1999, published by Andreen A. Neukranz-Butler, Director of Diversity, Access and Equity at National Louis University is available to all students, faculty and staff.