Student Disability Accommodation Policy

It is Luther Seminary's policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or subjected to discrimination in any seminary program, service, or activity. The seminary provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.

A disability is defined as a physical, intellectual, or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The seminary will provide a reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of an otherwise qualified disabled student.

Any student who has a disability and wishes to request reasonable accommodation should contact the Disabilities Services Liaison:

Peter Susag
Phone: 651-641-3465
psusag001@luthersem.edu
Office: GH Library

Students should contact the Disabilities Services Liaison, at least two weeks prior to the start of classes or as soon as possible when the need for accommodation becomes known to the student. Depending on the facts of the situation, the seminary may require documentation regarding the disability or requested accommodation so that the seminary may fully evaluate the request.

Documentation provided by a student should be from a qualified professional who is not related to the student and practices in the area where the disability is diagnosed. The documentation should be dated within the past three years and should include the following information:

• The diagnosed disability;

• A list of the criteria used to make the diagnosis (including scores achieved on assessments, if applicable);

• A description of how the condition limits the student’s ability to participate in any seminary program, service or activity; and

• A list of the recommended accommodations.

It may also be helpful for the student to provide a history of prior accommodations they have received.

The Disabilities Services Liaison, in consultation with the student and other involved faculty, departments, programs, or medical professionals as necessary, will determine the appropriate reasonable accommodation, if any. The Disabilities Services Liaison will prepare individual letters to the involved faculty, departments, or programs identifying the appropriate accommodations. The letters will direct the recipients to contact the Disabilities Services Liaison with questions, but will not disclose the student’s disability.

Students with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation are encouraged to meet with the Disabilities Services Liaison during the term to discuss the effectiveness of the accommodation.

The Disabilities Services Liaison will ensure that all disability-related documents are shared with seminary and medical personnel on a need-to-know basis only.

Students are responsible for contacting the Disabilities Services Liaison promptly. Students may also file a grievance in accordance with the Grievances section of this Student Handbook if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in a timely or effective way. Students must reapply at the beginning of each semester for accommodations related to the seminary’s academic program.