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/academics/success/disability-services/index
Student Disability Services

Services for Students with Disabilities

Student Disability Services (SDS) assists Marywood University in ensuring that qualified students with disabilities are afforded and given access to the same, or equal, educational opportunities available to other University students, as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Assistance is provided to both students with disabilities and to the campus community so that students are not discriminated against due to their disability in policies, procedures, and practices conducted within, or as part of, the University environment. Student Disability Services helps facilitate the education of students who have disabilities by coordinating a variety of services that support the unique academic needs of permanently and temporarily disabled students. SDS also works to create and uphold policies, procedures, and practices within the university environment to ensure that students are not discriminated against due to their disability.

Who is Eligible?

We provide services to students with functional limitations due to visual, hearing, learning, attention, psychological, or mobility disabilities as well as students who have specific chronic health conditions. Any student who is enrolled at Marywood University and who self-identifies with Student Disability Services as having a disability is eligible for support. Specific accommodations are determined individually for each student and must be supported by appropriate documentation

Student Disability Resources

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the interactive process by contacting and meeting with a SDS staff member at the beginning of their college journey, or when otherwise appropriate. 

If you are a new student or are requesting an accommodation for the first time please submit an Accommodation Request and upload appropriate documentation (see Documentation Guidelines) of your disability that specifically supports your requested accommodations.

If you are a current student who needs to request changes to your accommodations, please log in to Accommodate and request to Add/Modify accommodations. All accommodation requests require supporting documentation (see Documentation Guidelines). Documentation may be uploaded directly into the Documents section of Accommodate or emailed to disabilityservices@marywood.edu.

  • All academic and non-academic accommodations are assessed on an individual basis and must be supported by appropriate documentation.
  • All accommodation decisions are made through an interactive process wherein SDS staff takes into consideration the student’s self report and submitted documentation.
  • Accommodations are not granted retroactively, so timely submission of both the request for accommodations and all required documentation are critical steps in the process. Instructors are not obligated to adjust previous penalties if accommodations are requested later in the semester.

Incoming students will have access to Accommodate after they have set up their Marywood email account, at which time they will be able to complete the Accommodation Request form and upload all supporting documentation.  For assistance, please email disabilityservices@marywood.edu or visit SDS on the 2nd floor of Learning Commons, room 217.

If you have any questions about documentation or the status of your request for accommodations, please email disabilityservices@marywood.edu.  If you request a SDS staff member to speak to your parent(s), legal guardian(s), or health care provider, it is necessary for you to provide written consent.  You will be asked to fill out a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)-Student Release of Information.

SDS has a Testing Center which provides reduced distractions and space for students who require extended testing time. To request to take an exam in the Testing Center, students need to login to Accommodate and follow the steps below:

How to Schedule an Examination

  1. At least 3 business days prior to each scheduled examination, the student must login to Accommodate and go to “Testing Room” to request space in the Testing Center. Without timely notification, it may not be possible to administer the examination as scheduled.
  2. SDS will inform your professor that you will be testing with us and they will forward your exam/exam information to us.

Students should be aware that the smooth administration of examinations depends on clear communication and cooperation among the student, the instructor, and SDS staff. To ensure that support services are provided, the student must take the initiative to begin this process.

Accommodations related to note-taking are available for students and suited to their specific needs. They include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Peer note taking support
  • Use of a laptop during class for note taking purposes and/or to access course materials.
  • Use of a recording device to record lectures

If approved for peer note taking support, students will receive communication from SDS regarding how to request notes for specific courses.

Housing accommodations can be requested by following the "Accommodations Request Process" above. Reasonable housing accommodations will be made for on-campus residents. These may include:

  • Single room
  • Wheelchair (ADA) accessible rooms
  • Private bathrooms
  • Close proximity to elevators and exits

Marywood University is committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of college life, including Housing & Residence Life

Reasonable housing accommodations will be made for on-campus residents.  It is the policy of the University to provide comparable and accessible housing to students with disabilities at the same cost as to others. The University makes reasonable modifications to its housing policies, procedures, and practices unless doing so would result in a fundamental alteration of the University’s housing program. Submission of documentation does not automatically qualify students for housing accommodations. Housing accommodation requests are based on disability-related need, not preference, and are subject to availability. 

Students must renew their housing accommodations every year in Accommodate. 

Housing Deadlines

All paperwork must be submitted through Accommodate as follows:

  • First-year students, no later than July 1st.
  • Returning students renew housing accommodations, no later than March 1st. 
    • Students who are requesting housing accommodations during the Housing Selection Process should follow the standard selection process protocol to avoid random placement in the event the accommodation is not approved.

If a housing accommodation need arises outside of the above timelines, students should follow the same request process but may be added to a waitlist for their accommodations. 

Once all documentation is submitted, SDS will review the application, generally within 10 business days. During high-volume periods, SDS may need up to 30 business days to complete our review., Please keep in mind that documentation that is incomplete, outdated or missing information may delay our review of your request.

  • Requests for particular housing assignments which are based on student preference, rather than need, such as a specific building location, or specific roommates, will not be honored through SDS.
  • Requests for a single room due to wanting a quiet place to study may not meet eligibility criteria for a single room based on disability. Residence halls are designed as living spaces. Students who need very quiet environments for study should seek other places on campus that are designated as quiet study areas.
  • Requests for a single room due to or attributed to a roommate conflict may not meet the eligibility criteria for a single room based on a disability. In instances where a roommate conflict causes or contributes to a disability, the student must reasonably work with Residence Life to identify a new living arrangement prior to applying for a single.
  • Other examples of conditions that ordinarily do not warrant a medical single are:
    • Asthma
    • Allergies
    • Learning disorders / ADHD
    • Insomnia and sleep problems
    • Depression
    • General Anxiety

Marywood’s residential facilities include a very limited number of single-occupancy bedrooms. Access to a single bedroom will only be approved as an accommodation in cases where it is clearly documented that a student cannot live on campus without this accommodation.

Please note that SDS does not assign specific housing locations. We validate the need for and determine the housing accommodation(s) necessary for accessibility and make the recommendation to  Housing & Residence Life who then determines the location where the accommodation will be met.

Marywood University recognizes the importance of service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments (ADAAA) and the broader category of  emotional support animals. Under the Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals provide emotional support to individuals with disabilities.

Service Animals

A “Service Animal” is a dog that has been individually trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks may include guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone who is deaf, pulling a wheelchair, assisting during a seizure, reminding an individual to take medication, etc. The task must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs that provide only comfort or emotional support do not meet the ADA definition of a service animal.

Students who utilize Service Animals should email Housing & Residence Life and SDS to inform us of this. This will assist Residence Life in assuring that the service animal is appropriately accommodated at the University.

Emotional Support Animals

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is not considered a service animal, but it may be approved as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. ESAs offer emotional comfort that helps alleviate one or more symptoms of a person’s mental or psychological disability and must be recommended by a licensed healthcare provider. With proper authorization, ESAs may be allowed in University housing, but they are not permitted in other campus buildings or facilities.

View ESA Policy

Marywood University is committed to providing students with nutritious meals that they can enjoy without worrying about food allergies. The University can meet the vast majority of students’ dining needs–including disability-related dietary requirements–through its dining options, and/or through reasonable accommodations.

Dietary Accommodations

Students are eligible for reasonable accommodations on the basis of a medically-based disability condition that results in severe food allergies Depending on the circumstances, this may include conditions such as severe allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, etc. 

Students are encouraged to view the Dining Services website to better understand the options available. If these options do not meet the student’s dietary needs, dietary accommodations can be requested by completing an Accommodation Request. Requests for the following reasons are not considered reasonable accommodations: Work/class/practice schedules, supplemental access to a kitchen, personal dietary preferences (e.g. voluntary vegan/vegetarian diet).

    Faculty, staff, and students with a state issued handicapped parking decal may apply at Campus Safety for a University handicapped parking sticker. Proper documentation may be required in accordance with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regulations. Handicapped parking spaces are reserved solely for individuals whose vehicles display a Marywood University handicapped permit, or for visitors whose vehicles have a valid permit, placard, or special license plate issued by a state or federal agency. These designated spaces are identified by blue and white handicapped signage.

    More Information About Accessible Parking

    Marywood Parking Map

    Temporary accommodations are available to students as needed. SDS can support students who experience a temporary injury or condition that results in short-term functional limitations. Examples include concussions, broken bones, post-surgical recovery, and acute illnesses. Support is determined on a class-by-class basis and depends on the nature of each course, the instructional methods used, and the student’s temporary condition. Temporary adjustments may also involve housing changes or assistance navigating campus. Accommodations are provided for the duration of the condition, as documented by a medical provider.

    Students who experience temporary injuries or other temporary conditions are encouraged to reach out toSDS to discuss possible accommodation options.

    If you have a physical, psychological, learning, or other type of disability and are in need of accommodations in either the academic or living environment, or you have any questions regarding disability services, please contact the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) for a confidential consultation by emailing disabilityservices@maryu.marywood.edu or by filling out an Accommodation Request.

    Academic Success

    Accomodate Student Login

    Accommodation Request

    Counseling and Student Development Center

    Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures

    It is the policy of Marywood University not to discriminate on the basis of disability. Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance using information in this policy. 

    Marywood FERPA-Student Release of Information

    Mother Theresa Maxis IHM Center

    Student Health Services

    Title IX

    Tutoring Services

    Writing Center

    Faculty Disability Resources

    Below are resources for faculty on the Accommodate system, along with additional information related to supporting students with disabilities. Maintaining open lines of communication allows us to collaboratively meet the needs of students with disabilities.The responsibility of postsecondary institutions to provide accommodations to students with disabilities derives principally from two federal laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

    If a student presents a written request for accommodations from the Office of Student Disability Services, you must review and sign the plan within 7 days of receipt to acknowledge that you have read and understood the provisions. If you have questions or concerns about the approved accommodations, contact Student Disability Services at ext 2335 immediately so that a reasonable solution can be reached in a timely manner.

    OSDS carefully reviews and maintains disability-related documentation and information in a secure and efficient manner, utilizing the widely recognized software platform Accommodate by Symplicity. To enter this system, please use this Faculty Login  Accommodation Letters and exam requests submitted by students will all be located in Accommodate. From within this system, faculty can verify if the information submitted by students who are requesting quizzing/testing accommodations is correct. Faculty can even upload exams in Accommodate, instead of emailing the file to SDS.

    Accommodation Letters 

    Students with approved accommodations can request their Accommodation Letters through the Accommodate System. These letters list approved accommodations but do not include diagnoses. We also recommend students discuss how to use their accommodations with their instructors during office hours or by appointment.

    *Students who request accommodations but do not have Accommodation Letters should be referred to SDS to undergo a review process.

    How to Review a Student Accommodation Letter in Accommodate

    To review your student’s Accommodation Letter, please follow the steps outlined in the Marywood Accommodate Faculty Instructions document.

    Discuss Student Accommodation Request(s)

    After receiving a copy of the faculty accommodation letter, review it with your student to discuss the specific accommodations requested for the course. Each letter outlines the approved accommodations based on the student’s documentation. These accommodations may not automatically apply to every course or assignment. Determining appropriate accommodations should take into account the faculty accommodation letter, the course requirements, and the student’s individual needs. If an accommodation cannot be implemented, faculty are encouraged to consult with the SDS. For questions about a requested accommodation, difficulties reaching an agreement with a student, or additional support, please contact SDS.

    Students must request to use the Testing Center by completing the exam booking section in the Accommodate system. Faculty will receive an email to verify the request and provide testing instructions, which are then sent to SDS. Exams should be submitted by faculty at least 24 hours before the scheduled test.

    This statement should be included in your course syllabi:

    Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must request accommodations through Student Disability Services, Learning Commons 217, in order for reasonable accommodations to be granted. Student Disability Services will partner with students to determine the appropriate accommodations and, in cooperation with the instructor, will work to ensure that all students have a fair opportunity to perform in this class. Students are encouraged to notify instructors and the Student Disability Services as soon as they determine accommodations are necessary; however, documentation will be reviewed at any point in the semester upon receipt. Specific details of the disability will remain confidential between the student and the Student Disability Services unless the student chooses to disclose or there is a legitimate academic need for disclosure on a case-by-case basis. Please visit Student Disability Services for additional information and to request accommodations. For assistance, please contact the Director of Student Disability Services, at 570-348-6211 x2335 or disabilityservices@marywood.edu.

    Confidentiality of your students' information is essential. At no time should the class be informed that any of your students has a disability, unless the student makes a specific request to do so. All disability related information that your student gives to you is to be used specifically for arranging reasonable accommodations for your student's course of study.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 protect elementary, secondary and postsecondary students from discrimination. Marywood University is required to provide appropriate academic accommodations as necessary to ensure that it does not discriminate on the basis of your disability.

    No. If you meet the essential requirements for admission, Marywood may not deny your admission simply because you have a disability.

    No. However, if you want Marywood to provide an academic accommodation, you must identify yourself as having a disability. Likewise, you should let Marywood know about your disability if you want to ensure that you are assigned to accessible facilities. The disclosure of a disability is always voluntary.

    The appropriate academic accommodation must be determined based on your disability and individual needs. Academic accommodations include modifications to academic requirements and auxiliary aids and services, Marywood University does not have to make modifications that would fundamentally alter the nature of a service, program or activity or would result in undue financial or administrative burdens. Also, the University does not have to provide personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature.

    You must contact the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) and inform the appropriate staff members that you have a disability and provide the appropriate documentation. It is your responsibility to self-disclose your disability and follow procedures to request an academic accommodation.

    Requests for academic accommodations should be done before the semester begins or in the first two weeks of the semester. Some academic accommodations may take more time to provide than others. The Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) needs time to review your request and provide an appropriate academic accommodation. Although it is highly recommended to contact SDS before the semester begins, there are no deadlines to academic accommodations.  Housing accommodations have a deadline.

    The Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) requires you to provide documentation that shows you have a current disability and supports the need for an academic accommodation.

    The required documentation may include one or more of the following: An IEP or 504 Plan from high school, a diagnosis of your current disability; the date of the diagnosis; instruments used to make the diagnosis; the credentials of the professional; how your disability affects a major life activity; and how the disability affects your academic performance.

    If the documentation that you have does not meet the University’s requirements, the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) will tell you what additional documentation you need to provide. You may need a new evaluation in order to provide the required documentation.

    Neither your high school nor your postsecondary school is required to conduct or pay for a new evaluation to document your disability and need for an academic accommodation. This may mean that you have to pay or find funding to pay an appropriate professional to do it. If you are eligible for services through your state vocational rehabilitation agency, you may qualify for an evaluation at no cost to you. You may locate your state vocational rehabilitation agency through the Department of Education website.

    The Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) will review your request and documentation to determine the appropriate accommodations. It is important to remember that Marywood is not required to lower or waive essential program requirements.

    The Director of the Office of Student Disability Services and the Director of Human Resources are the ADA Coordinators—who coordinate the school's compliance with Section 504 or Title II or both laws. You may contact The Office of Student Disability Services  at (570)348-6211 x 2335.


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