Faculty Resources

Faculty play an essential role in ensuring equitable access for students with disabilities. Whitman College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and institutional policy.

Disability Access Services (DAS) partners with faculty to implement accommodations in ways that support student access while maintaining the academic integrity and essential requirements of each course.

Working With DAS

Faculty are not expected to navigate accommodation decisions alone. DAS is available to consult at any stage of the process. Faculty may email DAS at das@whitman.edu or schedule a meeting through Google Calendar. 

Appointments

Appointments are highly encouraged.

DAS works closely with students, faculty and campus partners throughout the day, and staff are frequently engaged in meetings, consultations and student support. Because of this, scheduled appointments are the most effective way to ensure dedicated time for your questions and to provide the best support.

We strongly recommend using scheduled appointments for:

• Course-specific accommodation questions.
• Complex implementation concerns.
• Planning or accessibility consultation.
• Time-sensitive student situations.

When concerns arise, DAS collaborates with faculty to determine whether:

• The accommodation is appropriate for the course.
• An alternative accommodation may be considered.
• Additional clarification is needed through the interactive process.

Final determinations are made through a collaborative process consistent with applicable law and institutional policy.

Faculty Responsibilities

Implementing Approved Accommodations

Once a student receives an official Letter of Accommodation (LOA), faculty are responsible for implementing the approved accommodations in their course.

Faculty are not required to provide accommodations until an official LOA has been received from DAS.

If faculty have questions about implementation, DAS is available for consultation.

Referring Students to DAS

If a student discloses a disability or provides documentation directly to a faculty member, the student should be referred to DAS. All accommodation decisions are made through DAS.

Classroom Access and Conduct

Whitman students are expected to follow the student Code of Conduct. Concerns about classroom behavior should be directed to the appropriate campus office (e.g., Dean of Students).

When a student involved in a conduct matter also has accommodations, faculty may consult DAS to ensure coordinated and consistent support.

Letters of Accommodation

Faculty receive official accommodation letters from DAS after a student completes the accommodation process.

These letters outline:

• Approved accommodations
• Implementation guidance
• Any relevant timing or course-specific considerations

Faculty are encouraged to review LOAs early in the semester and reach out to DAS with any questions about implementation.

Syllabus Statement

Each course syllabus should include a disability accommodations statement.

Faculty may use the following language:

Whitman College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you believe you may need accommodations, please email Disability Access Services (DAS) at das@whitman.edu. Once eligibility is determined, DAS will provide faculty with a Letter of Accommodation outlining approved accommodations.

Confidentiality and Student Privacy

Disability-related information is protected under FERPA and federal civil rights law.

Faculty should:

• Keep accommodation-related information confidential.
• Share information only as needed for implementation.

To ensure equity and compliance, faculty should avoid:

• Requesting medical documentation directly from students.
• Implementing accommodations without an official LOA.
• Discussing accommodations in public or non-private settings.
• Altering grading standards based on disability status.
• Providing either advantage or disadvantage beyond equal access.

Accommodations are designed to ensure access—not to modify academic standards or outcomes.

Collaboration and Support

DAS encourages faculty to reach out early and often.

Faculty may consult DAS about:

• Course-specific implementation questions
• Accessibility barriers in course design
• Testing accommodations
• Alternative implementation strategies
• Complex or evolving accommodation needs

We are here to support faculty in creating accessible learning environments that uphold academic standards while ensuring equitable access for all students.