Information for Faculty
Student Disability Resources partners with faculty to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of their courses.
This guidance provides practical strategies, responsibilities, and best practices for supporting students while maintaining inclusive, accessible instruction.
Student Disability Resources Access Statement
Faculty are encouraged to include the following statement in each course syllabus:
The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Student Disability Resources to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with Student Disability Resources at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email at UND.sdr@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2100.
Accommodation Letters
Upon receiving a Notification of Disability Accommodations email for a student, instructors are responsible for ensuring the accommodations listed are provided. Notifications are issued for each individual course, and both the student and faculty member will receive a copy.
- Some accommodations may not apply to a specific course, or the student may choose not to use certain accommodations. In such cases, contact our office to discuss next steps.
- Faculty and students are encouraged to discuss how accommodations will be implemented in the course.
- Instructors may not deny approved accommodations without first engaging in an interactive process with Student Disability Resources.
Helpful Resources
Student Disability Resources is always happy to connect with faculty and staff to share information about our work and answer questions. We are available to join departmental meetings or schedule informal conversations to talk through our processes, how we determine accommodations, and what they can look like in the context of your department’s classes and programs.
Our goal is to provide clarity and support so that faculty feel confident in understanding accommodations, the interactive process, and the role of our office. These conversations can be tailored to your department’s needs, whether you’d like an overview of how accommodations are determined, a discussion of common questions, or guidance on specific scenarios.
If your department would like to arrange a time to meet with us, please reach out and we will be glad to coordinate.
University Information Technology (UIT) – Provides technical support, classroom technology help, and resources for faculty using UND systems.
Testing Services – Students can schedule accommodated exams and proctoring through Testing Services. Faculty will be contacted to provide exam materials and instructions.
Academic Support – Offers tutoring, study skills, and academic support programs that faculty can recommend to students.
Teaching Transformation and Development Academy (TTaDA) – Supports faculty with instructional design, teaching strategies, and professional development. Faculty can also work with TTaDA’s instructional design team to ensure course materials and Blackboard sites are fully accessible.
Exams and Proctoring – Information and guidance exam proctoring for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage faculty to include a statement in their syllabus about Student Disability Resources. It's important not to assume that a student has a disability. Instead, faculty should offer the information and encourage students to reach out if they feel it would be helpful. Directing students to our website for more information allows them to explore our services at their own discretion.
No, you’re only informed of the approved accommodations, not the specific diagnosis.
Faculty are encouraged to discuss implementation needs with Student Disability Resources and the student. Other great resources include the Teaching Transformation and Development Academy. More information about the implementation of accommodations is noted near the bottom of the Notification of Disability Accommodations email.
Direct the student to Student Disability Resources. Only Student Disability Resources can verify eligibility and provide official accommodation letters. Generally, you will receive a Notification of Disability Accommodations email for the current semester from our office. Staff are available to consult, if needed.
Students are able to request accommodations at any time. Faculty must implement the accommodation in a timely manner. Accommodations are not retroactive. The accommodations are in effect from the date of the letter. If questions or concerns arise, please consult with Student Disability Resources staff.
Our website is full of great information!
Contact Student Disability Resources to discuss your concerns. We’ll work with you to ensure accommodations are appropriate and reasonable.
Generally, no, you are not required to allow a retake of the exam. Faculty should review the Notification of Disability Accommodations email for the specific accommodations outlined for the student’s course. If a student requests accommodations beyond what is listed in their letter, they should be referred to Student Disability Resources. Faculty may choose to make alternative arrangements for students, but these should be separate from disability-related accommodations.