Current Students > Office of Special Needs > Syllabus Statement

The Office of Special Needs provides services and academic adjustments to ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of disability. Following the guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities act of 1990, Thiel College does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, or treatment of students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities must meet the College's academic standards for admission and be able to perform the essential objectives for a program and course work.

Purpose of Special Need Services:

• Provide services and academic adjustments to students with disabilities
• Work closely with faculty and staff in an advisory capacity
• Assist in the development of reasonable academic adjustments for students
• Provide equitable access for individuals with disabilities

Who qualifies:

• Anyone who has an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
• Anyone who has documentation of the disability from a qualified Healthcare Professional
• Anyone who can demonstrate that the reasonable academic adjustments is necessary for participation in College programs

Confidentiality:

• All Special Needs documentation is considered confidential between the student and the Office of Special Needs unless the student chooses to reveal it
• All explicit or implicit reference to a certain student and his/her disability is inappropriate

Syllabus Statement

Faculty are asked to include on their syllabus a statement directing a student to OSN in order to make it clear to a student that it is his or her responsibility and right to get the process of receiving academic adjustments started. The following is to be included on all course syllabi: 

It is the policy of Thiel College and its educational programs not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities.  Students desiring academic adjustment for a disability are responsible for providing evidence from a qualified professional confirming the disability and identifying appropriate interventions.  This evidence should be taken to the Office for Special Needs AC-126  as early as possible in the semester.  The Coordinator of the Office of Special Needs will develop a letter of academic adjustment to be sent to course instructors and other appropriate offices.