Disability Services
One of the goals of the Center for Academic Excellence at Mississippi University for Women is to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to learn and to express their knowledge. It is the policy and practice of· MUW to comply with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and other federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability.
Who is eligible for services?
- Students enrolled in degree and non-degree programs at Mississippi University for Women, who meet all university program requirements, and who meet the definition of disability are eligible for services.· A person with a disability is defined as any person who “...has a physical, emotional, or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of life's major activities; has a record of disability or is regarded as having a disability”· (P.L. 101-136).
What are students' responsibilities?
- To identify themselves to the Center for Academic Excellence to initiate the accommodations process.· For an accommodation request form please click here.
- To provide the Coordinator of Student Retention Initiatives with recent documentation of the disability from a professional qualified to make a diagnosis
- To submit a copy of the accommodations plan to each professor from whom accommodations will be requested
- To request specific, approved accommodations from professors in a timely manner
- To maintain academic requirements of the University
What if I have a student grievance in regards to my accommodation?
Confidentiality Policy for Students with Disabilities
Student Records
The Disability Service Coordinator (DSC) will maintain appropriate confidential records that identify students with disabilities. These records shall include the students name, address, MUW ID number, nature of disability, support services needed, verifying statement of the DSC, and documentation provided by the student.
Protections of Confidentiality
All student records, including student medical records shall be considered education records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and its regulations. Although certain medical records are exempt from FERPAs definition of education records, that exemption does not apply to students with disabilities. Accordingly, confidential records will be protected in accordance with FERPA regulations with the purpose of providing appropriate academic accommodation or adaptation of curricula.
Release of Information
The DSC will not release any information regarding an individuals diagnosis documentation without his or her informed written consent or under compulsion of legal process. Information will be released only on a need to know basis, except where otherwise required by law. Furthermore, to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals with psychiatric disabilities, evaluators may withhold or redact any portion of the documentation that is not directly relevant to criteria for establishing rationale for requested appropriate accommodations. Information about the student may be released with the students informed written consent in accordance with FERPA or other applicable legislation.
Storage of Records
Storage of all student records shall be secured in locked filing cabinets or filing cabinets behind two lockable doors.
- If you have a student grievance in regards to your accommodation plan please click here to understand the process you must follow.
Confidentiality Policy for Students with Disabilities
Student Records
The Disability Service Coordinator (DSC) will maintain appropriate confidential records that identify students with disabilities. These records shall include the students name, address, MUW ID number, nature of disability, support services needed, verifying statement of the DSC, and documentation provided by the student.
Protections of Confidentiality
All student records, including student medical records shall be considered education records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and its regulations. Although certain medical records are exempt from FERPAs definition of education records, that exemption does not apply to students with disabilities. Accordingly, confidential records will be protected in accordance with FERPA regulations with the purpose of providing appropriate academic accommodation or adaptation of curricula.
Release of Information
The DSC will not release any information regarding an individuals diagnosis documentation without his or her informed written consent or under compulsion of legal process. Information will be released only on a need to know basis, except where otherwise required by law. Furthermore, to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals with psychiatric disabilities, evaluators may withhold or redact any portion of the documentation that is not directly relevant to criteria for establishing rationale for requested appropriate accommodations. Information about the student may be released with the students informed written consent in accordance with FERPA or other applicable legislation.
Storage of Records
Storage of all student records shall be secured in locked filing cabinets or filing cabinets behind two lockable doors.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone regarding accommodations, please contact Kimberly Taylor-Gathings,
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