• The Law
• From High School to College
• Rights, Responsibilities & Confidentiality
• Process For Accessing Accommodations At WPI
• Services/Accomodations Available for Students With Disabilities
• Temporary Disabilities
• Documentation Guidelines
• Emergency Evacuation Procedures for Students with Disabilities
• Appeals Process and Grievance Procedures
• Suggestions for Faculty
• Resources for Students

Appeals Process and Grievance Procedures

Appeal Process for Eligibility Determination

If the student does not agree with the decision of the coordinator of Disability Services due to either a) being denied services or b) disagreement on the approved accommodations, the student may initiate a formal appeal. The appropriate steps are:

The student must submit a written statement of the dispute within seven days of notification of the approved accommodations to the Director of Disability Services. The appeal must set forth the specific action disputed and the specific accommodation sought by the student.

The Director will respond within two days to the complaint. If the complaint is not resolved at this level or if the complaint includes the Director of Disability Services, the appeal will be directed to the Director of Academic Advising (the Director of Disability Services direct supervisor). The Director of Academic Advising (DAA) will notify the coordinator of Disability Services and obtain a copy of the student's file, including the documentation of the disability and the need for accommodation, if any, recommended by the evaluator and the coordinator of Disability Services. The director will convene a meeting with the student and the coordinator of Disability Services within one (1) week of receiving a written appeal by the student to discuss the appeal. The DAA director will make a decision on the appeal after meeting with the student and reviewing the file and documentation.

If the student or the coordinator of Disability Services is dissatisfied with the decision made by the director of the DAA, a written appeal may be submitted to the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. This statement should include all relevant information and should request clear remedial action.

The Associate Provost will review the student's statement and decide whether the current plan is appropriate or if it is necessary to develop a new accommodation plan.

Student Life Issues

The following appeals process must be followed for those students who have a disagreement with accommodations that have been made with regard to student life and other campus services:

The student must submit a written statement of the dispute within seven days to the Associate Dean of Student Life. This statement should include all relevant information and should request clear remedial action.

The Dean of Students will review the student’s statement and decide whether remedial action is necessary.

If remedial action is deemed necessary, the decision will be communicated to Disability Services for corrective action. If the appeal is rejected, the final original decision is upheld. The decision of the Dean of Students is final.

Any student has the right to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education. The office will investigate and issue a Letter of Findings either supporting the student or the institution.

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Last modified: August 28, 2007 15:09:25