Vanderbilt University Resources

To request reasonable accommodations, students should submit their request via the Commodore Access Portal on the SA webpage. The portal will guide the student in completing the connection form (demographic information, accommodation request(s), and previous accommodation history) and request supporting documentation, if necessary. An access specialist will then review the connection form and documentation. Once reviewed, the access specialist will follow-up with the student to either request more information or request an orientation meeting. The orientation meeting usually lasts an hour and introduces the student to the SA team and reviews student responsibilities and procedures. During the meeting, the access specialist will also show the student how to request an accommodation letter through the Commodore Access Portal. The letter will be sent electronically to the instructors of the students’ choosing. The student must log in and send the letters each semester.

Reasonable accommodation arrangements are not retroactive. For example, if a student chooses not to submit their accommodation letter to the instructor, and then later changes their mind, the accommodation will not be implemented until the letter has been sent to, and discussed with, the instructor.

Student Access provides a wide range of reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities at Vanderbilt University. Accommodations are determined on an individual, case-by-case basis. Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to, extra time on exams, technology for note-taking, priority registration, and alternate format class materials. In addition to academic accommodations, Student Access also provides housing, dining, and transportation accommodations.

Student Access provides reasonable accommodations based on the functional limitations a student experiences due to their disability and the barriers presented in the educational environment. Documentation varies based on diagnosis, medical professional, and disability type. Student Access requests that documentation submitted contain diagnostic information (such as date of original and most recent diagnosis, severity, and treatment, if appropriate) and the functional limitations, or how this diagnosis affects the student in a specific environment. Reasonable accommodations are determined individually, and on a case-by-case basis. Documentation should adequately verify the nature and extent of the disability in accordance with current professional standards and techniques. If the nexus is not made between the accommodation and the limitation, SA will request additional documentation from the student. All documentation should be on letterhead and signed by the diagnosing professional.

Note: An Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan from high school may show a history of accommodations; however, it does not typically provide the needed information such as diagnosis and functional limitations.

All applicants go through the same admission review process and are admitted based on the quality of their academic record. As there is no separate admission process for applicants with disabilities, students with disabilities are competitively admitted to Vanderbilt University every year.

Federal law prohibits making preadmissions inquiry about disabilities. If a student believes, however, that some aspect of their academic record was affected by their disability, they may choose to share that with the Admissions Office. Information regarding disabilities, voluntarily given or inadvertently received, will not adversely affect any admission decision.

Vanderbilt students who experience impairments that will temporarily restrict them on campus (broken bone, concussion, adjustment disorders, etc.), can contact Student Access. Depending on the nature of the impairment, the student may be referred to their dean or may be asked to provide verifying documentation (if the disability is not easily visible).