5.11 STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Effective: August 20, 2025

Purpose: Emporia State University is committed to providing a learning environment for all students that promotes fairness and equal participation and opportunity. In accordance with federal and Kansas law, this policy outlines the availability of accommodations for students to deliver upon this commitment.

Scope: This policy applies to all students of the University community.

Policy Statement:

Religious Accommodations

The University recognizes and respects students’ sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. The University will provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the institution.

Accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

• Rescheduling exams or assignments due to religious observances;
• Providing alternatives to class participation requirements that conflict with religious practices;
• Adjusting meal plan options to accommodate religious dietary restrictions; AND
• Exploring alternative placement sites or experiences for internships and practical experiences when placement at available sites create conflict with religious practices.

Students seeking religious accommodations must submit a written request to the Office of Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the need for that accommodation. The University will review requests for accommodations on a case-by-case basis and engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. Approved accommodations will be communicated to the student and relevant faculty or staff in writing.

Disability Accommodations

The University provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to academic programs, University services, and campus activities.

A student with a documented physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities may be eligible for accommodations, including but not limited to:

• Extended time on exams;
• Note-taking assistance;
• Housing and dining modifications; AND
• Assistive technology

Students seeking an accommodation for a disability must submit a request in writing to the Office of Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS). Students seeking accommodations for a disability must submit a written request to the Office of Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the need for that accommodation. The University will review requests for accommodations on a case-by-case basis and engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. Approved accommodations will be communicated to faculty and staff as necessary while maintaining confidentiality.

Pregnancy Accommodations

The University provides reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Examples of reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Excused absences for childbirth and recovery;
• Make-up work or alternative assignments for missed classes; AND
• Access to lactation spaces on campus.

Students seeking pregnancy accommodations must submit a request in writing to the Office of Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) at least fourteen (14) days prior to the need for that accommodation. . The University will review requests for accommodations on a case-by-case basis and engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. Approved accommodations will be communicated to faculty and staff as necessary while maintaining confidentiality.

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

All accommodation requests and related information will be kept confidential in compliance with applicable laws. Retaliation against students who request accommodations is strictly prohibited.

Appeals and Grievances

Students who believe their accommodation request was improperly denied or not implemented effectively may appeal the decision to the [Office of Academic Affairs] or file a grievance under the University’s policy for student complaints.

Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in corrective action. The University reserves the right to amend this policy to reflect changes in applicable laws or institutional needs.

Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.

Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Student and Student Life.

Related Policy Information: 5.03 – University Student Complaints;