Accessibility Guidelines and Procedures

Notre Dame of Maryland University (“University” or “NDMU”) values safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Consistent with these principles, the University does not discriminate in offering equal access to its educational programs and  activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of age, color, creed,  disability, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression) or veteran status or any other characteristic protected in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations including but not limited to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as amended (Title IX), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended (Title VII), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, etc.

It is the students' right to update their accommodations if they experience obstacles in their courses that were not discussed in the initial intake or received a new diagnosis. If a student has requested an accommodation that has been denied, they can appeal this decision through requesting an informal appeal to speak with another member of the Office of Accessibility Team.

If the attempt to resolve the issue with The Office of Accessibility and Student Inclusion is not viewed as successful, the student may contact the 504/ADA Coordinator gfitzgerald@ndm.edu

NDMU has the following procedures in place to assist individuals in the resolution of any concerns or complaints alleging disability discrimination in violation of the American with Disabilities Act 1990 or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

Reporting Concerns:
Any concern should first be brought to the attention of the Director of Accessibility. The Director will discuss the issue with the individual and strive to resolve the concern.

Informal Resolution:
NDMU encourages informal resolution of complaints when possible. If an attempt to resolve the issue with The Office of Accessibility and Student Inclusion is not viewed as successful, the student may contact the 504/ADA Coordinator at gfitzgerald@ndm.edu. A meeting will be arranged to discuss the individual's concerns.

Formal Grievance Procedures:
An individual may file a formal, written grievance with the 504/ADA Coordinator after an informal attempt to resolve the concern has been made with DSS and the 504/ ADA Coordinator. The written grievance must include the following:

• the individual’s name, address, email and phone number
• a full description of the individual's concern
• a description of the individual's attempts to resolve the issue with DSS and the 504 /ADA Coordinator a description of the desired remedy to the issue

Once the grievance has been received, the 504/ADA Coordinator will provide written notification of receipt and initiate an investigation expeditiously in accordance with the University’s Non-discrimination policy and procedures. Following the investigation, the 504/ADA Coordinator will prepare a written reply to the individual and to the party to which the grievance was filed. A student may always contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, regarding allegations of disability discrimination in violation of Section 504. See additional information.

This policy applies to undergraduate students who wish to take a reduced course load to accommodate a disability. Students with disabilities that significantly limit their ability to manage a full-time course load (12 or more credits) may be accommodated by receiving approval to take a reduced course load. It may be necessary for a student to request a reduced course load because of a more severe academic impact of a significant disability.

FULL REDUCED COURSELOAD POLICY AND PROCESS

Purpose
This policy applies to students who require housing accommodations due to a documented disability. Notre Dame of Maryland University is committed to supporting students with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and the Fair Housing Act, as amended.

Eligibility
To be eligible for housing accommodations, a student must have a qualifying disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples include, but are not limited to, conditions that significantly impact a student’s ability to live in standard university housing or require access to features such as a private bathroom.

Request Process
Students seeking housing accommodations must apply through the Office of Accessibility & Student Inclusion (OASI) and provide documentation from a licensed clinical professional or healthcare provider who is directly treating the student’s condition. This documentation should:

• Describe the student’s physical or psychological condition
• Outline functional limitations and restrictions
• Explain how the condition impacts housing needs

All documentation is kept confidential and shared only with relevant staff on a need-to-know basis, as permitted by law. Confidential information will not affect a student’s general eligibility for housing.

The Office of Accessibility & Student Inclusion reserves the right to request additional documentation if the initial submission is outdated, incomplete, or does not adequately support the need for accommodations.

Decision-Making Criteria
Housing accommodation decisions are made based on the following factors:
1. Severity of Condition

• Is the condition life-threatening if the request is not met?
• Could there be permanent negative health impacts?
• Is the request part of a treatment plan?
• Are room adaptations necessary for safe and independent living?
• What is the impact on academic performance, social development, and overall comfort?

2. Timing of Request

• Was the request submitted with the initial housing application?
• Was it submitted before the semester’s housing deadline?
• Was it made promptly after diagnosis or change in condition?

3. Feasibility and Availability

• Is appropriate space available?
• Can space be safely adapted? Are alternative configurations available that meet the same needs?
• How does fulfilling the request affect housing availability for other students?

Important Notes
Housing accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis.
A diagnosis alone does not guarantee accommodations.
Some medical conditions (e.g., allergies, mild asthma) may cause discomfort but do not meet the legal definition of a disability under the ADA or FHA Requests based on preferences (e.g., specific roommates, quiet locations) are handled by the Office of Housing & Residence Life, not OASI.

Annual Renewal
Housing accommodations must be renewed each academic year. Students should submit updated documentation and forms as needed.

Housing Accommodation Request Steps

• New Students: Complete the Student Intake Form
• Returning Students: Complete the Housing Accommodation Request Form Submit documentation detailing how your condition creates barriers in standard housing
• Schedule a meeting with the Director of Accessibility & Student Inclusion to discuss your request

Best Consideration Deadlines
To ensure accommodations are in place by the start of the semester, please submit requests by:

• June 15 – Fall Semester
• December 1 – Spring Semester

Requests submitted after these dates will be reviewed as space allows but may not be guaranteed for immediate implementation.