accommodation decision appeal procedure
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is responsible for evaluating all relevant information when determining accommodations. If a student disagrees with the SAS team’s reasonable accommodation decision, the student may request a review through the SAS Appeal Process, in accordance with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Appeals must be initiated by the student directly. An appeal is a request for reconsideration and will be reviewed by a SAS committee. Third-party submissions are not accepted.
The following outlines the appeal process:
Student Submits Appeal Request
If SAS denies an accommodation, the student will receive written notification of the decision as well as information about an appeal process. If the student wishes to appeal an accommodation decision, the appeal must be submitted in writing to SAS within ten business days of the decision. As part of the written appeal, the student will be asked to explain why they wish to appeal the decision. Upon request, a series of questions can be provided to assist the student with writing an appeal. The appeal should be submitted via email to um.sas@maine.edu. As part of the appeal, the student can also submit additional documentation regarding their disability or their accommodation request.
SAS Committee Reviews the Appeal
An Appeal Committee reviews the student’s appeal. The committee will be made up of staff in the SAS office. The original staff member who made the accommodation denial will not participate on the committee. The Appeal Committee will review the request and any additional information provided; this will include a review of any original documentation already provided, and any notes, emails, or verbal interactions that occurred during the original interactive process. The Appeal Committee may also wish to meet with the student or contact additional faculty, Department Chair, Academic Dean, or staff regarding the request. After the review is complete, the Committee will then notify the student with a decision in writing within ten business days of reviewing the appeal.
Disability Grievance Procedures
If a student feels that Student Accessibility Services or one of its staff members has discriminated against them on the basis of a disability, they may file a discrimination grievance. A grievance is a formal complaint alleging discrimination and will be reviewed by the Office of Equal Opportunity. Information on this process can be found on the UMS Office of Equal Opportunity webpage.