Frequently Asked Questions

For Faculty

 

1.   It is the beginning of the semester, and one of my students has handed me "The Letter."   What is this?

A "Letter" is an official document used to facilitate communication between ODAS, students, and faculty.   Specifically, a student enrolled with ODAS will hand each of his/her professors a Letter that officially indicates that a student is registered with ODAS and delineates the legally required classroom accommodations in detail.   The Letter is intended to initiate conversation between the professor and student; therefore, ODAS encourages students to self-advocate via open communication with his/her professors.

As a faculty member, we suggest that you use the Letter as an informative outline for necessary accommodations in order to allow the student equal access in the academic environment.   The Letter is intended to promote an open dialogue between yourself and the student.   If you have any questions regarding the accommodations outlined in the Letter, feel free to contact the ODAS Coordinator at (609) 771-2571.

 

2.   A student is requesting an accommodation that I believe is not feasible in the course I am instructing.   Am I allowed to refuse such a request?

If ODAS has determined that a student is entitled to specific accommodations according to the evidence of documentation of the disability (or disabilities), the law holds you responsible as a faculty member to adhere to those modifications.

Instead of directly denying the accommodation, we suggest that faculty members contact ODAS at (609) 771-2571 so that a solution may be mediated and resolved between the student, faculty member, and ODAS coordinator.

If you feel that the requested accommodation is either:   unreasonable, ineffective, fundamentally alters the course curriculum, or causes an undue hardship on the faculty/classmates, please confer with the ODAS coordinator.

 

3.   I have a student in my class who I believe would benefit from ODAS services; however, he/she is not enrolled in your office.   What is the best manner to refer this student?

It is encouraged that the faculty member speak to the student in private to discuss a referral to ODAS.   Registering with ODAS is voluntary on the part of the student.

Before a student is able to be considered for accommodation services at The College, he/she must provide the necessary documentation that he/she has a disability.   You may refer to the student to the ODAS website, as well as encourage them to stop in or call the office for more information.  

 

4.   Does ODAS at TCNJ offer any training services to better prepare me in providing an inclusive classroom for all of my students?

Faculty is encouraged to browse the ODAS website for more in-depth disability classroom support information.   Any specific details relevant to your course can be discussed with the ODAS coordinator.   Departmental trainings are available upon request.