Request Academic Accommodations

Brenau University is committed to providing equal access for students with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and applicable university policies. The Office of Accessibility Services uses an individualized, interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations based on each
student’s documented disability, functional limitations, and the essential requirements of the academic program.

Step 1: Complete the Intake Form

Complete the Accessibility Services Intake Form to begin the accommodation request process.

Step 2: Submit Supporting Documentation

Complete the Provider Verification Form (available via Google Forms or PDF) and/or submit one or more of the following:

  • Medical documentation
  • Psychological evaluation
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • Section 504 Plan
  • Counseling or therapy documentation
  • Professional verification of your diagnosis or diagnoses
  • Documentation describing the functional limitations of your disability in an academic, clinical, or fieldwork setting
  • Recommendations for reasonable accommodations, when applicable

Documentation should clearly explain how your disability impacts your participation in the academic environment.

Submit documentation by:

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 770-297-5883

Please Note: Students must register with the Office of Accessibility Services to receive accommodations and access to assistive technology. Accessibility Services cannot initiate services on behalf of a student. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the registration process. All communication regarding accommodation requests will be sent to the student’s official Brenau Tiger Mail account. Please monitor your Tiger Mail regularly for updates.

Step 3: Attend the Intake Meeting (Interactive Process)

After the Intake Form and supporting documentation have been received, an Accessibility Services Provider will contact you to schedule an Intake Meeting.

The Intake Meeting is the University’s interactive process, during which you and an Accessibility Services Provider will:

  • Review your documentation and disability-related functional limitations.
  • Discuss how your disability impacts your academic experience.
  • Identify barriers to equal access in the classroom, clinical, or fieldwork environment.
  • Explore reasonable accommodations that provide equal access while maintaining the essential requirements of your courses or academic program.
  • Review your rights and responsibilities regarding accommodations.
  • Answer questions about the accommodation process.

The Office of Accessibility Services determines reasonable accommodations based on the documentation provided, the student’s functional limitations, applicable federal law, and the essential requirements of the academic program.

Step 4: Determination and Notification of Accommodations

Following the Intake Meeting, the Office of Accessibility Services will determine appropriate accommodations and notify you of the decision.

If accommodations are approved, an Accommodation Letter will be prepared for you to share with your instructors each semester. Students are responsible for requesting their accommodation letters each semester and communicating with faculty regarding approved accommodations promptly.

Step 5: Appeal Process

After the interactive process with the ADA Coordinator is completed, if you disagree with an accommodation decision made by the Office of Accessibility Services, you may submit a written appeal to the University’s 504 Coordinator (Danielle Miller).

Your appeal should include:

  • The specific decision being appealed.
  • The reason for the appeal.
  • Any additional documentation or information supporting your request.

The 504 Coordinator will review the appeal, may request additional information from your provider or schedule a meeting with you, and will issue a written decision after the review. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Students are encouraged to submit a grievance within 30 calendar days of the alleged incident or the accommodation decision giving rise to the grievance. Grievances submitted after 30 days may still be considered when the student demonstrates good cause for the delay.

External Complaint Options

Students who believe they have experienced disability discrimination may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Filing an internal appeal with Brenau University (Policy Number: P-HR-100-02) is encouraged but is not required before submitting a complaint to OCR.

To request housing accommodations, visit this page.