Current Students > Office of Special Needs > Catalog Statement

The Office of Disability Services embraces the mission of Thiel College and works closely with faculty, staff, and students to develop all aspects of the human character through education. This office works closely with faculty and staff in an advisory capacity and assists in the development of reasonable academic adjustments that allow individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all of the programs offered at Thiel College.

It is the policy of Thiel College not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs. Students with disabilities must meet the college's academic standards for admission and be able to perform the essential objectives of a program and course work with or without reasonable academic adjustments . The academic adjustments should constitute an alternate way of displaying, conveying or communicating knowledge or mastery of an objective in a course. Requested academic adjustments must be reasonable; this means that the accommodation cannot lower the standards or change the objectives of the program or course.

Students desiring academic adjustments for a disability are responsible for providing signed documentation from a qualified health care professional, psychologist, or medical doctor on official forms or stationery. The documentation would verify a learning disability, psychological condition, hearing or visual impairment, and other physical impairments or permanent disabilities. As part of the evaluation, the qualified professional should also identify appropriate interventions. Documentation and disclosure of special needs must be presented to the Coordinator of the Office of Disability Services no later than the second week of the student's first semester on campus and at the beginning of each semester.

Students with disabilities are also responsible for discussing with their instructors within the first two weeks of each semester the impact of their disability on their course work and the academic adjustments necessary. If a disability is diagnosed during an ongoing semester, the student should immediately inform the Coordinator of the Office of Disability Service and course instructors.

The college does not have a structured program specifically for students with learning disabilities; the Learning Commons on campus provides a number of academic services to help students achieve academic success. Every effort is made to provide students with disabilities the opportunity to fulfill academic requirements. A list of services can be obtained by contacting the Office of Disability Services.

In view of limited funding nationwide, final determination of whether a specific academic adjustment can be provided will be at the discretion of the College. Some disabilities may be beyond the college's ability to serve adequately. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of Disability Services for introduction into the Grievance Procedure of Thiel College for Students with Disabilities.