Process for Resolving Issues

Process for Resolving Issues

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) uses an interactive process to evaluate each student’s situation and documentation, and determine the appropriate, reasonable accommodations. In some cases, an outside consultant is engaged to review the student’s documentation as well. The Office communicates with the student about its decisions. A student who believes that the Office did not follow its procedures in the determination regarding an accommodation or consider relevant information during the process may request a reconsideration of the decision. 

Request for Reconsideration:  

In order to request reconsideration of a decision regarding an accommodation, the student should submit a personal statement to the Office of Disability Services. This statement should outline any new or additional information not previously conveyed to ODS.  In addition, the statement should summarize the main points that the student feels are critical to supporting the requested accommodation.  The student should also submit additional documentation that supports the request, especially if there is a diagnosis relevant to the request that was not previously disclosed. The personal statement must be submitted within thirty days of the determination. ODS staff may reach out to the student for clarification if needed.

In circumstances where there is a concern relating to denial of accommodations, ODS may engage an outside consultant to review the documentation. The Director for Disability Services or Associate Director may contact faculty, administrators or professionals who can provide information pertinent to the case. If confidential information is to be released to or received by a third party not affiliated with the University, the student will be asked to sign a Release of Information form. Following the review of the request for reconsideration, ODS will notify the student of its decision. Every effort will be made to resolve the matter within thirty days or as expeditiously as possible.

Requesting a Review by Vice Provost, or a Designee as Appropriate: 

In situations other than concerns involving discrimination or ODS staff, the student is required to first seek reconsideration by the Office of Disability Services. If the issue is not resolved through reconsideration, the student may request a review of ODS’s process by the Vice Provost for Intuitional Equity and Diversity, or a designee as appropriate, within thirty days of receiving ODS’s decision on reconsideration. The student’s request should be directed to the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity in the Office of the Provost. The Vice Provost, or designee, will make an inquiry into the complaint and may contact faculty, administrators or professionals that can provide information pertinent to the case.  The time required for the Vice Provost, or designee, to review a decision regarding an accommodation will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature and scope of the matter.  Every effort will be made to resolve the matter within forty-five days or as expeditiously as possible. Throughout the process, the Vice Provost or designee will, as appropriate, keep the participants informed of the status of the process. The student will be contacted in writing with a final decision on the review. There is no further appeal of the Vice Provost or designee’s final resolution.

In the circumstance of a complaint that involves an allegation of discrimination by ODS staff or a discriminatory process or practice by Princeton University, the student may contact the Vice Provost directly without initial review by ODS. 

More information about University grievance procedures, including complaints of discrimination can be found on the Inclusive Princeton website.  Additionally, the University’s Office of the Ombudsman is available as a resource for students, faculty and staff.

Contact information

Director for Disability Services     

Office of Disability Services                
Princeton University                       
Room 241 Frist Campus Center               
Princeton, NJ 08544                      
Telephone: 609-258-8840                                                                 

Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity

Office of the Provost
Princeton University
204 Nassau Hall      
Princeton, NJ 08544          
Telephone: 609-258-6110