Student Accommodation Policy (Draft)

Purpose:

Winona State University is committed to providing equal access to all students. This means we follow several important laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and the Minnesota Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act. These laws ensure that students with documented disabilities can request the accommodations they need to participate fully in university events and programs.

Our commitment goes beyond just following the law. We want to make sure you know who to talk to and how to work with Access Services. Our goal is to provide you with the resources and support your need for an equitable learning environment.

Undue Burden/Hardship: An action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considering several factors, including the nature and cost of the accommodation in relation to the size, resources, nature, and structure of the institution.

Policy/Procedure Regulation:

Winona State University commits to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students ensuring that we meet (at a minimum) and exceed, in all cases possible, the standards set forth in applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines.

The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, or designee, is responsible for the oversight and administration of this policy including associated audits, training, moderation of processes, and collaboration with appropriate departments for the development of resources.

Authority 

This policy is issued pursuant to the authority granted the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA); Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; WCAG 2.0 Level AA; MN Statutes 16E.03; MN Statutes 363A.42; MN Statutes 363A.43; MN Statutes 135A.163 RISE Act; State of Minnesota Accessibility Standard; Minnesota Human Rights Act MN Statute 363A; the 21st Century Communications and Accessibility Act (CVAA) Pub. L. 111-260; and Minnesota State Policy 1B.4 Access and Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities; The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. Other authority may also apply.

Effective Date 

This university policy shall become effective upon signature by the president and shall remain in effect until modified or expressly revoked.

Responsibility 

The President or designee is responsible for the implementation of this policy, but delegates to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, the administration of this policy including associated audits, training, moderation of processes, and collaboration with appropriate departments for the development of resources.

History:

Adoption date:
Implementation date: