Students' Rights and Responsibilities

Students with disabilities attending college are entitled to the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as all students at that institution. Individuals with disabilities are protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended, as well as the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Students entering the post-secondary setting should be aware that they are now responsible for identification, advocacy, planning, decision making, transitioning, and accommodation implementation. Therefore, it is important for students to understand both their rights and responsibilities relating to their disability in the academic setting. For more information on responsibilities in transitioning to post secondary institutions, visit the Department of Education website.

Student Responsibilities:

Students who are self-identifying with the intent of requesting accommodations have a responsibility to:

  • Follow all procedures for registration with the Office of Disability Services (see Student Services for procedures) including submission of appropriate professional documentation, identifying the disability and detailing the functional limitations caused by the condition.
  • Read and respond to all correspondence from the Office of Disability Services.
  • Self-identify in a timely manner, meeting deadlines and allowing reasonable time for review of documentation and implementation arrangements prior to the need for accommodations. Accommodations will not be implemented retroactively.
  • Follow University procedures when receiving accommodations including any procedures which require interaction with professors or staff.
  • Be aware that the honor code applied with the use of approved accommodations.
  • Complete a semester request within the first 2 weeks of every semester in order to provide notification of approved accommodations to instructors.
  • Communicate with instructors at least two weeks prior to implementation in order to make arrangements for testing or other time sensitive accommodations.
  • Notify ODS if approved accommodations are not being implemented or implemented properly.
  • Notify the Office of Disability Services if the approved accommodations are not working or are no longer needed. 
  • Follow proper procedures when filing a complaint (see Resolving Issues).

Student Rights:

  • The right not to self-identify if accommodations are not being requested.
  • The right to equal access to courses, facilities, university-sponsored courses, programs and activities. If accommodations are required to ensure equal access, the student must register with ODS to determine eligibility and appropriate accommodations. 
  • The right to be protected from discrimination.
  • The right to not use approved accommodations if they are not needed in a particular way.
  • The right to make decisions regarding the release of personal disability information (see Confidentiality).
  • The right to challenge decisions or submit a complaint through our Resolving Issues process.