Students with Disabilities & Non-Discrimination Policies

Policy Statement on Students with Disabilities: Consistent with its mission and philosophy, St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences is committed to making its programs and services accessible to individuals with disabilities. In accordance with applicable law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences does not discriminate against qualified students with disabilities, and it provides reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Decisions regarding eligibility for accommodations and appropriate accommodations are based on the individual circumstances of each case.

As academic difficulties may result from any number of factors, the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences and/or its faculty are not responsible for diagnosing and/or referring students to be evaluated or examined for a potential learning or other disability. Should students believe that they may have learning or other disabilities, they should see the Administrative Coordinator, Student Affairs for more information on local professionals who may provide appropriate evaluations upon students’ requests.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities: To request reasonable accommodation, students are strongly encouraged to contact the Administrative Coordinator, Student Services prior to the start of the program to initiate the process for documenting their disability and determining eligibility for accommodation. Should requests for accommodation be made after the program is commenced, delays in progression may result to enable adequate time for the college to engage in the interactive process of accommodations with the students. It is the students’ responsibility to request reasonable accommodations and to do so in a timely manner. Although this interactive process may be initiated at any time, reasonable accommodation requested or granted is not applied retroactively. Student Services is responsible for coordinating specific services and resources for disabled students at St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences.

The following procedure shall apply:

1. Students complete section 1 of the Verification of Disability and Need for Accommodation form and has section 2 completed by a licensed physician, psychologist, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Students then submit the completed form to the Coordinator, Student Services.
2. If students have not previously submitted documentation of disabilities or if the college determines updated or additional documentation is needed, students are advised of what documentation is necessary.
3. Students submit the requested documentation in a timely manner, but not to exceed the beginning of the next semester.
4. After reviewing submitted documentation, the Administrative Coordinator, Student Services meets with the students to discuss the requests for accommodation. If reasonable accommodations are available, individualized plans of accommodation are reduced to writing and signed by the students and Administrative Coordinator, Student Services (see “Accommodation Plan Form”).
5. If applicable to the accommodation in question, students are responsible for meeting with their instructors to discuss how the accommodation provisions are implemented. Should any questions or concerns arise from this implementation discussion, students are expected to notify the Coordinator, Student Services for timely resolution.
6. When accommodations for testing occur, the faculty proctor asks students to complete and sign a Verification of Testing Accommodation form to acknowledge that St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences provided students with all accommodations set forth in their documented disability agreements.

Students with disabilities, like all other students, are expected to satisfy the college’s academic requirements and perform all the essential functions or core standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodation. While the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences seeks to offer reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, it is important to note that the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences is unable to provide any accommodation that the college may conclude is unreasonable under the circumstances or would fundamentally alter its services or programs, including but not limited to its academic requirements and non-academic requirements, such as the essential functions or core standards of the program.

Please note that nothing in this policy or any related form, or any application of such policy or form to any particular situation is intended to alter the legal definitions of “disability,” “accommodation” or any related term, nor is it intended to create any rights or impose any obligation on the St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences not required by applicable law.

St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences (SLCHS) values diversity in its student body and workforce and strives to maintain a culture of equality for all. In line with the SLCHS mission, vision, and values, and in accordance with applicable state and federal law, the College does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination against any person based on race, color, national origin, language, sex (including pregnancy), religion, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law. SLCHS does not discriminate in its policies or practices relating to any of its operations, including student admission, student participation in educational, extracurricular, or financial aid programs, or employment.

SLCHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is therefore committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy or concerns regarding fair treatment of students or employees should be directed to Rebecca Seaman, Dean, Undergraduate Studies at Rebecca.Seaman@sluhn.org.