ADA Grievance Procedure

Stetson University values an environment free of discrimination and harassment and therefore prohibits conduct that prevents open academic interaction and opportunity or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive study, residential, or work environment. In conjunction with this philosophy, Stetson University complies with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the university's academic standards to ensure that there will be no discrimination based on disability. Due to these laws and university values, no qualified individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities offered at Stetson University.

Report a Concern

The university will attempt to resolve a problem informally brought to its attention through discussion and communication with the department or unit(s) involved, as well as with relevant university officials. The university encourages all faculty, staff, and students to attempt an informal resolution before initiating the formal grievance procedure.

Students with disabilities who believe that they have been denied "reasonable accommodations" for their documented disability, been excluded from participation in or been denied the benefits of any aspect of the Stetson University student experience, or otherwise have been subjected to discrimination based on their disability should follow the subsequent steps:

  1. The student should schedule a meeting with June Gwartney, Director of Accessibility Services, at [email protected]. Individuals can also report an accessibility concern, which can be done anonymously if they do not wish to be identified.
  2. The Director of Accessibility Services will investigate the complaint, which includes personal interviews with all affected parties and attempts to resolve the issue with the participants involved. 
  3. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of the process, they may file a formal grievance within fifteen (15) days after the attempt to informally resolve the differences has concluded. Learn more about the formal grievance process. Formal grievances should be submitted to the University Grievance Officer, Jim Beasley, at [email protected].

Rights and Responsibilities

  • Equal access to all educational opportunities available to the student body (e.g. courses, programs, activities, services, jobs and facilities).
  • Reasonable accommodations based on documentation, barriers, academic program and evaluator's recommendations.
  • Appropriate confidentiality regarding your disability.
  • Equal access to the fundamental right to vote in local and national elections. Visit #StetsonVotes to register!

  • Meet the university's qualifications and maintain the essential standards for programs, courses, services and activities.
  • Disclose information related to your disability to the Accessibility Services Center in a timely manner for the purpose of accommodations, preferably before the start of each semester or within two weeks of the start of each semester.
  • Provide appropriate documentation to Accessibility Services. (The documentation must verify the disability and its current impact on learning).
  • Follow specific policies and procedures for obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids as established by Accessibility Services. (Failure to provide adequate notice of the need for separate testing conditions and/or assistance, for example, may result in accommodations that are not provided to the fullest measure).
  • Initiate all services and maintain contact with Accessibility Services staff and university faculty.
  • Provide feedback to Accessibility Services regarding its operation.

  • Uphold the university's academic standards.
  • Identify and establish appropriate and reasonable accommodations based upon current disability documentation completed by a qualified professional and in consultation with the student.
  • Deny a request for accommodations, auxiliary aids/services and/or academic adjustments if:
    • The student fails to provide appropriate documentation
    • The documentation does not warrant the services requested
    • It substantially alters an essential element of a course, program or activity of the university, or
    • It poses a threat to the health and safety of others.
  • Receive verification of a documented disability from Accessibility Services that states the recommended accommodations, not necessarily the specific disability.
  • Establish the learning outcomes that are fundamental to their courses/academic programs and evaluate students on this basis.
  • Contact Accessibility Services to discuss the appropriateness of accommodations.

  • Recommend reasonable accommodations for students with appropriately documented disabilities in a timely manner upon request.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality of records and communication concerning students.
  • Provide information on university policies and procedures to students and ensure its availability in accessible formats upon request.
  • Make appropriate referrals to on-campus services, as well as community agencies.
  • Maintain the same standards for students with disabilities as for students without disabilities.
  • Arrange for and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.