{"id":4,"date":"2025-07-21T13:42:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T17:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/student-accessibility-services\/?page_id=4"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:35:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T17:35:06","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/student-accessibility-services\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I have to complete all of Clark\u2019s requirements even if my disability hinders performance in, for example, math or a foreign language?<\/summary>\n

Yes, you do. Clark\u2019s University Advisory Board has established a minimum guideline that all students must complete. The minimum requirements include: 32 complete units (one unit is the equivalent of four semester credits per course), the fulfillment of both Critical Thinking requirements (Verbal Expression and Formal Analysis) and all of the Perspectives (Aesthetic, Global, Historical, Language and Culture, Scientific, and Values), and the completion of major requirements. Learn more about Clark\u2019s Perspective system.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recognize that learning disabilities might make a math course, a foreign language, etc. difficult for some to learn. For this reason, students are allowed to take a course Pass\/Fail. To receive a passing grade, a student must earn a C- or better when taking a course Pass\/Fail. It is not recommended that a student take more than two courses Pass\/Fail while at Clark, but this option may be beneficial if a student feels a course might be too challenging or may hurt his or her grade point average (GPA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two requirements that many students with disabilities ask about are the Formal Analysis and Language & Culture requirements. Calculus and Statistics fulfill the formal analysis requirement, but there are other options. Courses in Geography, Economics, Sociology, Management, Philosophy, and Psychology fulfill the Formal Analysis requirement as well. In many cases, a student has to take a Research Methods course as a part of his or her major, and most of these courses fulfill the Formal Analysis requirement. These research skills courses are still math-based, but may not be as intimidating as a Calculus or Statistics course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To fulfill the Language and Culture requirement, a student normally takes a foreign language. If a student has a disability that impacts their ability to learn a foreign language, taking American Sign Language (ASL) is generally a great option. Learning ASL is a lot different than learning a spoken language and it is well known as a language students with language based disabilities can learn and learn well! Some students have also found success in taking Latin.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What are some typical accommodations for students with disabilities in college?<\/summary>\n

Academic accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Student Accessibility Services. The staff review the submitted documentation provided by a qualified practitioner and meets with the student in order to make this determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some examples of accommodations for students with disabilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use of recording device in classroom<\/strong>
Students who have had the accommodation of a note taker in high school find that using a recording device, such as a smartpen or an audio record program on a laptop, in class is a more appropriate accommodation. It is always advised that a student inform the faculty member that they will be recording the lecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extended time on all timed in-class tests<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based upon the documentation provided, it is possible that extended time on a test will be a reasonable accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever possible, testing accommodations of extended time should be administered through the specific academic department. When this is not possible, students and faculty can request assistance from Student Accessibility Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Computer access for written work and essay tests<\/strong>
If a student has the accommodation of computer access for tests, computer access should be made available through the specific academic department or Student Accessibility Services. Students are not allowed to use their own laptops for tests without written permission from their faculty member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classroom relocation<\/strong>
Students with mobility impairments or chronic medical conditions who feel that a class location is not accessible may request classroom relocation. Student Accessibility Services will work with the Registrar\u2019s Office to process these requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistance in locating textbooks in an alternate format<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clark University has an institutional membership with Bookshare. Students who qualify for text in alternate format may request assistance in locating and ordering their textbooks through Bookshare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please review the policies for requesting text in alternate format.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

What kind of documentation do I need to receive disability support?<\/summary>\n

Clark University requires that all students who are requesting accommodations submit recent (in most instances recent is considered to be within the past three years) documentation. This documentation is used to determine eligibility for accommodations and services and must clearly state the diagnosed disability, the functional limitations resulting from the disability, and how these limitations impact academic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An individual qualified to diagnose the particular disability must write documentation on professional letterhead. See the documentation page<\/a> on our Web Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans are not considered sufficient documentation, but may be included with the necessary documentation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

When should I self-identify as a student with a disability?<\/summary>\n

Students are encouraged to self-identify as early as possible. It is suggested that students self-identify as soon as they make their enrollment decision. A summer meeting or Zoom Meeting to review documentation and discuss accommodations with Student Accessibility Services is strongly advised.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How do I speak with my professors about my accommodations?<\/summary>\n

If you choose to talk to your instructors about your disability, follow these tips.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n