Reasonable accommodations policy

Disability Services at Olin (DSO) collaborates with and empowers individuals who have documented disabilities by working together proactively to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations in a variety of avenues that impact student life (academic, housing, dietary). We value a community approach to understanding disability as an integral part of diversity and work in collaboration with stakeholders on campus to promote a holistic and informed approach to accessibility.

It is Olin College’s policy to comply fully with all state and federal disability laws. Olin does not discriminate against applicants or students with disabilities, and will consider modification to academic programs where necessary to ensure that our requirements are not discriminatory, as long as the modifications do not fundamentally alter the nature of our programs. Student Affairs coordinates services for students with learning disabilities, sensory impairments, psychological disabilities and medical conditions.

The ADA does not require colleges or universities to lower academic standards or fundamentally alter the nature of the programs provided. Students with documented disabilities must meet all requirements for graduation. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, activity, or facility that removes an existing barrier so that qualified students with disabilities have equal opportunities to attain the same levels of performance or enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to similarly situated students without disabilities.

Please note that accommodations are not retroactive. It is in the student's best interests to request accommodations before the start of the semester, although it is possible to request accommodations at any time during the academic year.
Students can choose not to use their approved accommodations.
In order for faculty to be informed of a student's approved academic accommodations, students need to log into Accommodate each semester and send notices to their faculty.

Any specific modifications granted will be based on detailed discussions with each student about their particular situation, on information from a medical or health care provider concerning the student’s disability and related needs, and on an open dialogue about educational expectations. In other words, disability services is seen as an ongoing conversation that we are always open to having, depending on the student's needs and experiences.

Additional information is available on the my.olin.edu portal for students.