Disability Support Services: Rights & Responsibilities

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Empowering Equal Access for All Students

At Glen Oaks Community College, we believe every student deserves an equitable opportunity to succeed—academically, personally, and professionally. Disability Support Services (DSS) is here to ensure that students with disabilities receive the accommodations and support needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

If you're a student with a documented disability and need academic accommodations, we’re here to help.

Submit an Accommodation Request
Schedule a Meeting with DSS
Contact Disability Support Services

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Student Rights & Responsibilities

As a student registered with DSS, you have the right to:

• Equal access to all college courses, programs, and services
• Reasonable and effective accommodations that support your learning
• Confidentiality regarding your disability information and records
• Support and advocacy from the DSS team
• Appeal any accommodation decisions you feel are unjust or ineffective

You are responsible for:

• Self-identifying to the Disability Support Services office
• Providing current, appropriate documentation of your disability
• Requesting accommodations through DSS—ideally at the beginning of each semester
• Communicating any issues or concerns with DSS as soon as possible
• Meeting the academic expectations of your courses, with or without accommodations
• Discussing your accommodations with instructors early in the term
• Arranging for any personal care attendants, if needed

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Faculty Rights & Responsibilities

Glen Oaks faculty have the right to:

• Verify a student’s disability status through the DSS office
• Uphold academic integrity and course learning outcomes
• Ensure tests and quizzes taken outside the classroom are secure and proctored appropriately

Faculty members are responsible for:

• Maintaining student confidentiality at all times
• Privately discussing accommodations with students in a respectful, supportive manner
• Including an accessibility statement in course syllabi
• Implementing all approved accommodations as outlined by DSS
• Providing accommodations only to students officially registered with DSS
• Delivering content in accessible formats (documents, videos, slides, etc.)
• Following Universal Design for Learning principles whenever possible
• Identifying essential course skills and functions to guide accommodation planning
• Contacting DSS with any questions or concerns about accommodation implementation

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DSS Office Rights & Responsibilities

The Disability Support Services office has the right to:

• Receive valid documentation before approving accommodations
• Expect active collaboration from both students and faculty
• Deny accommodations that would fundamentally alter course content or expectations
• Decline requests that are unreasonable, undocumented, or inadequately supported

DSS is responsible for:

• Ensuring equal access to all academic, social, and co-curricular experiences
• Reviewing documentation and providing fair, effective accommodations
• Maintaining all disability-related records in a confidential manner
• Advocating for students and supporting faculty throughout the accommodation process
• Helping students understand how their strengths and limitations affect their learning
• Clearly communicating policies and procedures to students and faculty