Admissions Process
The admission process and criteria are the same for all students applying to Clarkson. Disability status will not be a consideration in admission decisions.
Submitting Documentation
While you are encouraged to speak to our office about possible accommodations while researching the University, documentation should be submitted to the Office of Accessibility Services only after you have been admitted to the University.
Students are encouraged to self-disclose prior to their arrival on campus. The sooner the Office of Accessibility Services is aware of accommodation needs, the better prepared the University is for your arrival and the start of your classes.
Accommodations and Services
A diagnosis alone does not qualify you for accommodations. The existence of an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, the current impact of your impairment and how it affects your ability to function in an academic setting, and a rational and objective basis for the requested accommodations are necessary to determine whether or not accommodations are reasonable.
Clarkson University is required to provide appropriate academic adjustments necessary to ensure it does not discriminate on the basis of a disability. These accommodations may differ from those provided previously. Accommodations frequently used by students with disabilities are extended time for test-taking, a quiet location for test-taking, print materials in alternate formats, wheelchair accessible housing, and assistive listening devices. Appropriate reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual basis.
The Office of Accessibility Services does not provide accessible parking permits except on a temporary basis as a student is recovering from a severe injury. Permanent accessible parking permits can be obtained through the Village of Potsdam.
Other Campus Resources
There are many resources available to support students with disabilities. The services listed below are free of charge to all Clarkson University students but are not specifically designed for students with disabilities. There are some services and accommodations which may be needed by students with disabilities that are not provided by the Clarkson.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services (SSS) offers academic support for qualifying students. Some of the available services include weekly small group tutoring, practice exams and workshops. Individual academic counseling is available for students seeking assistance in such areas as development and strengthening of study techniques, improving motivation, and dealing with test taking stress and time management skills.
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers one-on-one help with academic and personal projects, like essays, reports, labs, résumés and presentations. The Writing Center also offers information about citing sources and common writing errors. The Writing Center is a site with assistive technology for students with disabilities.
Counseling Center
A Clarkson University education is more than what you learn in class. It is also a time to grow, become more self confident, and prepare for the ups and downs of life. Clarkson University Counseling Services assists students in reaching their full potential for social and emotional development.
Personal Aids or Assistance
Students are responsible for aids or assistance of a personal nature such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, computers to be used at home or attendants for services of a personal nature including assistance with bathing or dressing or life coaching. Please contact Accessibility Services if you would like information about local agencies.
Transportation assistance is not provided.
Appeals
If a student feels that they were denied reasonable accommodation based on qualifying disability, they may request a review by completing a Reasonable Accommodation Appeal Form. The request will be reviewed by the ADA/504 Appeals Committee. Students may be contacted by the committee for additional information or documentation.