Accessibility: removing Barriers for Students Accessibility services are available for all students at Concordia University.
Accessibility: Removing Barriers for Students
Concordia University is committed to removing barriers preventing students with disabilities from reaching their academic goals.
The Academic Resource Center offers accessibility services to students with physical or mental impairments. With 43.5% of Concordia’s student population being accelerated, online, and graduate students, we strive to provide equal access to our accessibility services no matter the format. As you prepare to begin classes, remember that our Academic Resource Center staff are available to support you!
Who is eligible for Accessibility Services?
Students with a physical or mental impairment that largely limits one or more major life activities are eligible to receive CUWAA’s Accessibility Services. Students must provide proper documentation from a clinical professional. Documentation should describe the current impacts and limitations of the disability.
“Any currently enrolled CUWAA student may be eligible for accommodations,” says Dr. Tori Negash, Director of the Academic Resource Center and Accessibility Center at CUAA. “This applies to graduate, undergraduate, traditional, non-traditional, online, dual-enrolled, part-time, and non-degree students.”
How can students access these services?
Once a student is accepted and enrolled in courses, they may apply for accessibility services. First, students will complete a registration form online; a link is on the ARC websites for both CUW and CUAA.
Students must provide documentation of a medical condition or disability. This can include:
- Letter from a medical professional
- IEP or 504 Plan
- Copy of a psychoeducational or medical evaluation
A medical professional may complete an Accessibility Services Assessment form for the student, which is available on the ARC website. This form can also serve as documentation.
Are Emotional Support Animals allowed on campus?
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are allowed in on-campus housing for students who have an approved accommodation. This information is online; students can also contact the Director of the ARC & Accessibility Services on their campus to learn more about what is required.
What accessibility services does CUWAA offer to students?
Concordia University offers many accommodations to students. Academic accommodations can include:
- Testing accommodations
- Course materials in alternate formats
- The use of assistive technology
- Interpreting or captioning services
- Note-taking services
Non-academic services could include:
- Housing accommodations
- Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Students can refer to the Academic Resource Center and Accessibility Services handbook for various accessibility service offerings.
If a student does not qualify, are there other resources CUWAA offers to help them succeed?
Not all students will qualify for ADA accommodations, however. CUWAA has many resources and support services available to our students. These are here to support students holistically in mind, body, and spirit.
Health, Mental Health, & Well-Being
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) – CUAA
- Counseling Center – CUW
- CUAA Health (telehealth) – CUAA
- Student Health Center – CUW
- Campus Ministry
Academic Support
- Academic Resource Center
- PROSPER Program
- STAR Program – CUW
- Career Engagement & Industry Relations – CUAA
- Academic Advising – CUAA
- Center for Academic Advising & Career Engagement – CUW
Student Services
- Financial Aid
- Registrar
- Business Office
- Residence Life
- Dean of Students Office
- Veteran’s Affairs
- Office of Multicultural Engagement
- Title IX Office
- Campus Safety
- Information Technology (IT)
Read about unique ways Concordia University is supporting student’s emotional wellbeing.
Accessibility for all students
Dr. Tori Negash, Director of the Academic Resource Center and Accessibility Center at CUAA, states, “It is our goal at CUWAA to provide equal access to education for all of our students. We strive to take away any barriers to education for those with disabilities.” All students at CUWAA have equal access to opportunities, creating a path for success.
Do you want more information?
If you want to know more, please contact the AARC here. They are ready to answer your questions and help you get connected to the information you need.
— Maddie Schueller is the Content Marketing Lead for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, anything music-related, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.
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