Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations support students with disabilities or ongoing medical conditions in overcoming challenges that may affect their academic success.

These accommodations can be generally categorized into three types: test accommodations, classroom accommodations, and assignment accommodations. Below are some common examples of accommodations our students have received.

1.  Test Accommodations

Note: “test” encompasses all timed assessments, including quizzes, tests, in-class essays, exams, and more.

• Extended time
• Distraction-reduced environment or private space
• Use of a computer for typing
• Use of certain software (spell-check, text-to-speech, speech-to-text) 
• Calculator
• Meds breaks

2.  Classroom Accommodations

• Audio recording lectures 
• Access to lecture/presentation materials
• Use your own computer to take notes
• Taking short breaks during class
• Assistive listening device

3.  Assignment Accommodations

• Consideration for occasional extensions on coursework
• Reduce course load

For more information, please refer to UBC’s Policy LR7: Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and UBC CFA – Types of Academic Accommodations.

Note: Currently, SRC Accessibility cannot provide note-taking services. If you are experiencing difficulties in taking notes, please schedule an appointment with SRC Accessibility staff to discuss alternative solutions.

At Corpus Christi College, only the Accessibility Advisors at UBC CFA can determine a student’s eligibility for academic accommodations. 

To be eligible for academic accommodations at Corpus Christi – St. Mark’s College, students must first register with UBC CFA to obtain an accommodation letter.

The types of conditions supported by UBC CFA include, but are not limited to:

• Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder
• Neurological disabilities such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, head injuries, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Chronic health conditions including ongoing medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, or migraines
• Physical or sensory disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing loss, or mobility impairments

Neither SRC Accessibility nor UBC CFA provide diagnostic services. Before registering with UBC CFA,  make sure you have gathered all necessary documents that meet their documentation requirements. 

However, if you have out-of-date documentation, or if you find that getting medical documentation in advance is a major barrier, please explain your circumstances on the Information Form when booking your appointment. The Centre can meet with you and discuss limited accommodations without documentation in exceptional circumstances.

We understand that you might feel uncertain about requesting academic accommodations. However, these services are designed to support your success and ensure you have an equal opportunity to thrive in your studies. Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Level the Playing Field: Academic accommodations are a fundamental aspect of a student’s rights and responsibilities in education. They are not about giving you an unfair advantage. Rather, they are about ensuring you have the same opportunities as your peers to succeed, regardless of any challenges you may face.
• Confidential and Respectful: Your privacy is important to us. Any accommodations you receive will be handled discreetly and respectfully. Your information will not be disclosed to any third parties without your consent.
• Reduce Stress and Maximize Potential: Academic accommodations can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that come with managing your coursework. By using the resources available to you, you can focus on your strengths and abilities, achieving your best academic performance.
• You’re Not Alone: Many students benefit from academic accommodations. Seeking support is a common and accepted practice at our institution.

If you have concerns or feel hesitant, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with SRC Accessibility staff. We are here to listen and work with you to find the best solutions for your success.

1. Get Letter from UBC CFA

• When: Before Week 3/ASAP
• New students need to register with UBC Centre for Accessibility (CFA) to obtain Accommodation Letter.
• Before registering with UBC CFA,  make sure you have gathered all necessary documents that meet their documentation requirements. 

2. Schedule a Briefing Session with SRC

• When: Upon receiving the accommodation letter from UBC CFA
• Schedule a briefing session with SRC Accessibility and send the following information to SRC via email:

1. Accommodation Letter from UBC CFA
2. Course syllabus for the courses you’re taking
3. Test schedule (if available)

3. Notify Instructors

• When: After the briefing session with SRC
• Inform your course instructors at the beginning of the semester about your approved accommodations and provide a copy of your Accommodation Letter to each instructor.

4. Make Requests for Accommodations

• When: 7+ days before the test date
• To request accommodations, send an email to both SRC Accessibility ([email protected]) and your instructor at least 7 days before the test date or 3 weeks before the final exam season.
• Make sure you are clear about the test details and include them in your email:

1. course name
2. test date, start time, original duration
3. specific accommodations you need

• Refer to this email template when making your request — Template for Requesting Accommodations
• Once you receive the accommodation details through email from SRC, confirm it, or inform us of any necessary adjustments.

5. Attend the Test

• Attend the accommodated test at the scheduled time and location.
• Please make sure to arrive on time for your tests. The tests will automatically be cancelled if the student doesn’t show up within 30 minutes after the scheduled start time.

Refer to the [Student] Guide to Academic Accommodations for Accessibility for more details

If you have questions, contact SRC Accessibility by email at [email protected], book an appointment through https://bit.ly/corpusaccessible, or drop in at Student Resource Centre at Room 209.

Reference: Frequently Asked Questions to UBC CFA

1. What happens if I don’t agree with the accommodation decision?

Only the UBC CFA is responsible for making the decision about what accommodation(s) will be offered to the student. Students who disagree with these accommodation decisions may follow the appeal process set out in section 5 of the Procedures to Policy LR7.

2. I’ve received accommodations for my midterms, do I still need to apply for accommodations for my final exams?

Yes, If you have already received accommodations for your midterms, tests, or quizzes this term, please be aware that a separate request is necessary for your final exam.

3. My exam is happening next week but I still haven’t heard back from UBC CFA to get my accommodation letter. What should I do now?

If you have already booked an appointment with UBC CFA but cannot get your accommodation letter in time due to their processing time, you can request a special arrangement with approval from your instructor.

Please directly contact your instructor(s) and inform them of your current situation. With written approval from your instructor via email, the SRC Accessibility can still facilitate accommodations for this test.

4. I have an in-class quiz scheduled for the first half of my lecture, but I still want to attend the second half of the lecture. Can you schedule my accommodated quiz with time extension earlier than the original start time?

Yes, we can arrange your quiz earlier so that you can still attend the second half of your lecture. Please inform us of this when making your request.

5. Will my accommodation records be shown on my transcript?

No, your accommodation records are kept confidential and will not appear on any documents sent to your transfer institution.

6. I missed the deadline to request accommodations for an upcoming test. What should I do?

If you have a valid reason for missing the deadline, you can seek approval for a special arrangement from your course instructor. Inform your instructor of your situation and obtain written approval via email. With this approval, the SRC Accessibility can still facilitate accommodations for the test, provided we have sufficient staff capacity to arrange and support the accommodated test.

7. I missed my exam because I caught a cold/my sister is sick/I had a bike accident. Can I get accommodations for that?

Currently, SRC Accessibility only facilitates academic accommodations for students with disabilities or ongoing medical conditions, provided they have a valid accommodations letter from the UBC Centre for Accessibility (CFA). Unanticipated circumstances for students without accessibility needs fall outside the scope of SRC Accessibility’s services.

If your request is not related to accessibility needs and you need to reschedule your midterm exam, please contact your instructor. Your instructor will evaluate your request and, if approved, may choose to administer the exam at another time. The Student Resource Centre can provide empty rooms for rescheduled exams, but we are not able to invigilate these exams.

8. Who will supervise my accommodated exam if I request extended time? Can I still complete it in the classroom with everyone else?

Accommodated tests are facilitated and supervised by SRC staff. Typically, instructors do not have the capacity to supervise accommodated exams with extra time. However, if you have made a special arrangement with your instructor and they have agreed to supervise your accommodated exam with extra time, you can arrange this directly with your instructor. It does not need to go through SRC Accessibility.