DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Academic Accommodation Procedures for Graduate Students Joel Lynn, Executive Director, Student Services | Jonathan Derry, Manager, Policy and Judicial Affairs Laurie Keenan, Manager, Resource Centre for Students with a Disability

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Overview Introduction Academic Accommodation and Access for Students with Disabilities Policy (AC1205) RCSD Student Population and Graduate Students Rationale for Creating Graduate Student Procedures Key Issues Addressed in Draft Procedures Discussion Next Steps

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Policy AC1205 Academic Accommodation and Access for Students with a Disability Policy (AC1205) Promotes and protects the rights of students with disabilities Aims to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all university community members Aims to make UVic as accessible as possible so students with disabilities can participate as equal members

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Policy AC1205 (Cont.) Commits to providing academic accommodation up to the point of undue hardship Supports the operations of the RCSD to provide academic accommodation advice, guidance and support to students, faculty and staff

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Supporting Procedures New Academic Accommodation procedures for undergraduates were approved by Senate and implemented in 2011 Recognition that specific Academic Accommodations procedures for graduate students also be developed. Research, drafting and planning have been ongoing for several months

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Students with Mental Health issues and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are the fastest growing populations of students who register RCSD Advisors work with specific populations of students RCSD – Student Population January 14, students registered Within 1-2 years > 1100 students will be registered

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Why Develop Accommodation Procedures for Graduate Students? Policy AC1205 does not specifically address graduate students or provide direction for resolving increasingly complex accommodation issues for graduate students Currently there is no formal process outlined in university procedures for graduate students or instructors to dispute academic accommodations sought or provided Clarification required on the roles and responsibilities in accommodation process of FGS, line faculties, RCSD, Grad Students, grad supervisors, etc

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Key Issues Addressed in Procedures Draft procedures intend to: provide information for individuals with disabilities on applying to graduate programs; set out options to encourage grad students with disabilities to report accommodations they may need early to facilitate support for everyone involved in the accommodation process; address confidentiality issues and highlight how student personal information is protected;

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Key Issues Addressed in Procedures include the processes used including timelines and documentation requirements for requesting academic accommodation; provide general information on academic accommodations that may be available to graduate students; clarify the roles/responsibilities of those involved in the accommodation process (e.g., Grad Students, FGS, line faculties, grad supervisors, the RCSD, etc); set out informal and formal processes to assist with resolving issues/difficulties related to implementing an accommodation plan.

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Discussion Current practices Feedback on draft procedures???

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Next Steps Continue working closely with FGS, GSS and faculty on procedures Consult with graduate students, Deans’ Council, faculty members, Senate Committee, Academic Accommodation Advisory Committee, LTC and others Final drafting of procedures and endorsement Bring forward final recommended draft to Senate for approval in Fall, 2013 Implementation planning Training opportunities