Prospective Student FAQ

General

Does CSD host any interactive learning opportunities for prospective students?

Yes! Please see our Events and Opportunities page for upcoming Prospective Student Sessions.

I am a prospective student. Can I set up a tour of UConn’s campus or meet with someone from CSD?

Campus tours are organized by UConn Admissions.  There isn’t a tour that is specific for student with disabilities.

Once students register with CSD and are assigned to work with one of the Disability Service Professionals (DSPs), they may schedule an appointment to meet with their DSP. CSD begins meeting with incoming students during the summer after the end of the spring semester and ahead of the fall semester the student will start classes.

Can my parents be involved in my accommodation process?

If a student wishes for any family member to be involved in their accommodation process, they may complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release of information form. More information is provided by the Office of University Compliance and can be found at: https://privacy.uconn.edu/ferpa-overview/.

Can instructors request documentation of a student’s disability?

No, it is University policy that only CSD will receive and review disability-related documentation in connection with approving accommodations. Students are not required to present their instructors with medical documentation verifying their disability or need for accommodations.

Accommodations

Are there any deadlines for requesting accommodations?

No, students may request accommodations at any time. Please note that students must engage in the interactive process for any accommodation requests, and the approval and implementation of accommodations will take time.  Students are encouraged to discuss any accommodations they believe they might need early in each semester.

Reasonable Modifications

Are instructors required to provide deadline extensions or participation modifications?

Federal law requires colleges and universities to consider reasonable modifications if needed to accommodate a student’s disability that affects the timely completion of an assignment or their participation. These modifications are intended for students who are unable to complete their work or are absent from class due to unexpected symptoms related to their documented disability.

The disabilities covered under these academic adjustments are typically chronic or episodic in nature and may affect a student’s class participation as well as the ability to complete assignments, exams, and quizzes.

What if attendance and participation are an integral part of the course?

If attendance/participation can be justified as an integral part of how a course is taught or how learning is to be demonstrated and measured, there is a point at which disability-related absences cannot be reasonably accommodated.  It is not reasonable to expect instructors to:

Re-teach – It is reasonable to go over some of the missed materials with students during office hours or by appointment. However, instructors are not expected to re-teach the course to absent students.

Remodel - Instructors are not expected to reconstruct courses entirely for absent students. For example, a course that is lecture-style does not need to be reconstructed as an independent study or online course.

Adjust Course Rigor - Instructors should not alter the essential elements or the learning outcomes of the course for absent students.

A withdrawal from the course or an incomplete may be considered if the student is unable to meet the standards/objectives of the course due to the rate of absences.

Dining

Who can I contact if I need assistance determining my dietary needs?

Can I live in a traditional residence hall without a meal plan?

No. Students living in non-apartment spaces (including Husky Village) must purchase a meal plan according to the Housing Contract.

Can I eat in any dining hall if I have any dietary restrictions?

Yes. You can eat in any dining hall, but you will need to follow the process and modifications you set up during your meeting with Dining Services.

Housing

What does being “eligible for housing” mean?

It means you have applied for housing by the designated deadline and your application has been accepted by Residential Life (ResLife).

If I am approved for a housing accommodation, do I still need to apply for housing through Residential Life?

Yes. All students must apply for housing.  For updates, visit: Home: Residential Life.

Are my housing accommodations guaranteed?

CSD and ResLife make every effort to provide housing accommodations for students, but cannot guarantee that a room meeting all of a student’s approved accommodations will be available.

Can I bring my roommate to my new room with approved accommodations?

Maybe. It will depend on the current room availability and your approved accommodations. ResLife will attempt to honor these requests, but cannot guarantee them.

If I am approved for an air conditioner, can I bring my own?

No. However, you are welcome to bring your own air purifier and dehumidifier.

Am I allowed to bring my pet with me to live in the residence hall?

No. Only Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and Service Animals are permitted in the residence halls.  To learn more about ESAs, visit: Emotional Support Animals | Center for Students with Disabilities (uconn.edu). For the Animals on Campus policy, visit: Academic and Student Life | University Policies (uconn.edu).