- Prospective Students Home Page
VU Admission Criteria
Students with disabilities are required to go through the admissions process the same as any other studentapplying at VU; they cannot request special treatment based on having a disability. Once admitted to VU, they can contact the DSS office to discuss accommodations.
Requirements when Requesting DSS Services
Students are required to obtain and provide documentation verifying they have a disability that limits their academic success. The specific documentation required is described here. Disability documentation must be prepared by a licensed health care professional, and identify the nature and functional impact of the impairment. Students should also identify the accommodations received in previous educational settings.
Self-identification
Students are required to self-identify their disability and need for accommodations by making contact with the DSS office; DSS personnel will not seek out students with disabilities. Students may self-identify at any point during the semester.
- Students often first contact and sometimes meet with the director of DSS during the spring of their senior year.
- Students might approach their professor about having learning problems; the professor should suggest that the student contact the director of DSS to discuss possible accommodations. The professor can alert the DSS director about the student, but the student must self-identify to officially begin the DSS process.
Determination of eligibility for services
The DSS director is responsible for determining student eligibility for academic adjustments and services. Eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and take into consideration disability documentation, student self-report, and history of academic adjustments and services. The DSS Director will evaluate and determine eligibility in a timely manner.
Interview with director of DSS
• Director of DSS meets with student to discuss disability and functional limitations, and accommodations being requested
• Accommodations letter is drafted to be sent to professors
• Forms are completed by studentForms required to be completed by student
• Student completes form with contact information
• Student writes a letter in which he/she formally requests DSS services
• Student signs form giving permission to communicate with VU personnel about accommodationsAccommodations information is sent to professorsby DSS office