Accommodations
If you believe you need accommodations, you can choose to self-identify, submit documentation and make the decision about using accommodations. Accommodations are authorized after you submit a complete application with documentation and meet with an Access Specialist in the ARC.
ARC Registration/Accommodation Request Process
All newly admitted students and current students requesting accommodations for the first time are required to provide medical documentation to substantiate their need for accommodations. This process involves registering with the ARC by completing online ARC registration and accommodation request forms to identify as a student with a disability. Once your registration form is reviewed, you will be invited to an Intake meeting to discuss your accommodation needs with a specialist at the ARC. Your accommodation letter will be issued following the intake meeting.
Updating Medical Documentation
All newly admitted students and current students requesting accommodations for the first time must provide medical documentation to substantiate their need for accommodations. This documentation is requested when a student registers with the ARC and requests accommodations for the first time. While students don’t need to update their medical documentation annually, current and returning students seeking to modify or add to their existing accommodations may need to submit additional documentation to support their request.
Accommodation Renewal Process
Current and returning students must submit a request to renew their academic accommodations every semester. Renewal for Housing and ESA accommodations must be submitted annually, by July 15, to allow sufficient time for the ARC to process your request. However, ESA and housing applications submitted after July 15 will still be processed, but you may not receive your approval letter before the start of the school year
FAQ
To be eligible for accommodations, provide typed documentation from a qualified professional on the nature and impact of the disability. Information should include test results/report, functional effects of the disability and/or medication, and recommendations.
To register with the ARC, you must submit appropriate documentation from a qualified health care practitioner (this link opens a new page) as well as the ARC intake form (this link opens a new page). Guidelines for documentation requirements (this link opens a new page) can be found here.
Once received, your request will be reviewed and assigned to the appropriate Access Specialist. The Access Specialist will contact you via the email address you included on your application. Your Missouri Western email address is preferable if you are a current student. During the intake, appropriate accommodations will be discussed based on your specific situation.
At your intake, you and the ARC staff will agree on the eligible accommodations and they will be authorized during that meeting. You will receive a letter indicating the accommodations needed and will be required to send the accommodation letter to each course instructor. An accommodation request must be completed for each class for which accommodations are needed. Notices are generated to instructors from the system, and at that point you should follow up directly with each instructor to discuss your accommodations and how they will be implemented in the classroom and/or during exams.