The Office of Retention and Student Success assists students with physical, psychological and learning disabilities in fulfilling the curriculum’s fundamental requirements by accessing reasonable accommodations to ensure that they have equal access to educational opportunities at the College.
Students with physical, psychological and learning disabilities may have a need for reasonable accommodations throughout their enrollment. Regardless of circumstances, students wishing to request accommodations must self-identify and meet with the Office of Retention and Student Success as soon as they wish to request services. Though requests of accommodations can be made at any time, to ensure the accommodation is in place prior to a semester starting, all requests should be made at least two weeks prior.
Downloadable Forms
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Form
Waiver of Accommodation(s) Form
Step-by-Step Process for Students
- Student completes the “Request for Accommodations” section of the “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” Form.
- Student makes an appointment with their healthcare provider and has the provider complete the “Documentation of Disability” section of the “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” Form.
- Student delivers the accommodations paperwork to their assigned staff member in the Office of Retention and Student Success. The staff member will discuss the accommodations process, expectations, and next steps with the student. Below are the Student Success Coaches and a list of the academic programs they support:
Sherry Hamilton (sherry.hamilton@cabarruscollege.edu):- Associate of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated)
- Master of Science in Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Non-Degree
Curtis Wilson (curtis.wilson@cabarruscollege.edu):
- Associate of Science in Life Sciences
- Associate of Science in Medical Assistant
- Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Associate of Science in Surgical Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Wellness
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Leadership and Development
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional)
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
Mikahla Hammons (mikahla.hammons@cabarruscollege.edu):
- Cabarrus Health Science Institute (all pathways)
-
The staff member has two weeks to process the paperwork.
- The staff member will send a letter to the student via protected email detailing their accommodations for the year. Note that students will receive one letter in the Fall and one in the Spring due to courses changing after Winter Break.
- Once the letter has been sent, the student’s accommodations are active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to request accommodations?
- Once per academic year.
Do I need to have a healthcare provider complete the “Documentation of Disability” section of the form every time I request accommodations?
- The “Documentation of Disability” section should be completed every 3 years by a medical provider for Cabarrus College students and every 5 years for Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute (Early College) students.
What are some examples of common accommodations?
- Examples include, but are not limited to: Distraction Reduced Environment for Testing, Extended Time on Tests, Extended Time on Assignments, Preferential Seating, Access to Food and Drink at all times, and Unrestricted bathroom breaks during class.
Are all accommodations recommended by my provider available at Cabarrus College.
- Not Necessarily. Your assigned staff member will work with you, your faculty, and your provider if questions arise.
Can I ever waive my accommodations?
- You must complete the “Waiver of Accommodation(s)” Form 24 hours before the assignment if you wish to waive an accommodation. This form is given to your instructor. You must complete a form every time you wish to waive an accommodation.
Can I have temporary accommodations?
- Accommodations vary in length, as recommended by your provider.
What other ways does the Office of Retention and Student Success support and advocate for students with disabilities?
- Our office facilitates programs and events to educate the college community on individuals with disabilities and ways to combat barriers placed in their path. We also provide students with disabilities with optional sessions related to self-advocacy and joining the workforce as an individual with a disability. We can also assist CHSI students as they request accommodations at other institutions they may attend in the future.
Will my accommodations apply to clinicals or fieldwork?
- Not necessarily. Due to the nature of clinical experiences, certain accommodations may not be possible. Your assigned staff member will work with you, your clinical instructor/site, your faculty, and your provider if questions arise.
How does the Office of Retention and Student Success notify faculty of students with accommodations?
- We will send you a letter via Protected Trust. It is important that you open this letter right away. If you choose to print the letter, it must be kept in a locked drawer or cabinet.
When are faculty notified of students with accommodations?
- Generally, you will be notified the first week of class each semester. Keep in mind that accommodations can come at any time and that there is a two-week window for processing.
If a student without accommodations comes to me with a request for accommodations what should I do?
- Send them to the Office of Retention and Student Success and we will begin the process. Under no circumstance should a faculty member provide accommodations without a letter of approved accommodations from the Office of Retention and Student Success.
What should I do if a student chooses to waive their accommodations for an assignment?
- Collect the waiver form from the student. Make a copy of the form and provide one copy to the Office of Retention and Student Success and another copy for your records. You can send the form via accommodations@cabarruscollege.edu or turn it in in-person to Room 112.
- I have a student in my class with an accommodation for distraction-reduced environment or extended time for testing. How do I go about organizing this accommodation for the student?
- Your program chair will work with Digital and Instructional Innovation to get the student’s extended time added to ExamSoft. They can assist you with adding extended time if you use a different testing software. The Testing Coordinator will work with you to ensure that students have a distraction-reduced environment to test.