Documentation Criteria for Academic Accommodations

Carolina University (CU) is committed to providing reasonable and effective accommodations to individuals with disabilities. The legal definition of disability is a mental or physical condition that substantially limits a major life activity compared to most people. Substantial in this context is somewhat subjective but means a notable, significant meaningful limit/difference to the manner in which the individual engages in the activity, the conditions necessary for them to engage in the activity, the duration for which they can engage in the activity, or the frequency with which they engage in the activity. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and the proper functioning of major body systems.

Suggested Documentation Elements:

• Typed on letterhead, dated, and signed by a qualified professional.
• Provide a diagnosis and functional limitations, a diagnosis and a history of received accommodations, or functional limitations and a history of received accommodations.
• If appropriate, include a description of the student’s specific side effects from such treatments or medications and how they impact the student’s equal access to the benefits of the University.
• Provide any recommendations directly linked to the impact or functional limitations associated with the disability.

The following information/documentation is not adequate for determining accommodations:

• A brief note from a physician or health professional requesting an accommodation.
• Information or notes written on a prescription pad or aftercare instructions issued to the student.
• Evaluation reports of learning difficulties that are not comprehensive or identify ‘problems or challenges’ but do not specifically diagnose a learning disability, functional limitations, or history of received accommodations.

Please submit all documentation to the Office of Accessibility & Student Inclusion Services by uploading the documentation to the accommodations request form.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at oasis@carolinau.edu.