Applying to West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Acceptance to WVU Parkersburg is based on an applicant’s meeting published admission criteria with no preference provided on the basis of disability.  Students are notified of acceptance by letter from WVU Parkersburg Office of Admissions and Records.  For further information contact the Admissions and Records Office at:

(304) 424-8220 or 1-800-WVA-WVUP
Email: info@mail.wvup.edu
http://www.wvmentor.org/applications/wv_common_app/
apply/wvu_parkersburg.html

Following Admission to West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Persons with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to plan for potential accommodation needs:

Office of Disability Services
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Room 1211
300 Campus Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104-8647
(304) 424-8378/voice  (304) 424-8337/TDD
email:  wvup_disabilitysv@mail.wvu.edu
web site: http://www.wvup.edu/ADA/INDEX.HTM

Receiving Disability Related Accommodations      
Accommodations are determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the student’s qualification, history and documentation.  In order for a student to receive disability related accommodations within their academic program:

1) The student must establish that he or she is an “individual with a disability” by providing documentation that meets University criteria.

2) The student must meet the requirements for being “qualified,” that is, the student may be required to document that he or she can perform the essential tasks and functions of the program and required courses.  Meeting the admissions standards of the University or program does not always address essential function requirements of a program or major.  Essential functions, tasks, standards and requirements of a program cannot be removed.  Possible performance standards may be applicable within the areas of: observation; communication; sensory and motor function; intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; behavioral and social requirements.

3) It must be determined if there is a reasonable accommodation that will allow the student to complete the requirements of the class, program and/or University requirements.

Individuals who have self-accommodated or whose use of medication or other therapies have mitigated the effect of the disorder may not be viewed as “substantially limited.”  An individual must document according to University criteria that they are substantially limited in a particular area in order to be considered disabled and eligible to receive reasonable accommodations for their significant functional limitation.

Confidentiality
Information provided to the ODS is considered CONFIDENTIAL and is not disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the student.

DOCUMENTATION

§   A student requesting disability related academic accommodations must register in person with ODS.

§   Disability related reasonable academic accommodations are provided under appropriate circumstances on an individual basis based upon appropriate documentation of disability and significant impairment to functioning.

§  A diagnosis of a disorder, condition or syndrome in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations.

§   Students are responsible for providing appropriate documentation of their disability and functional limitations prior to receiving accommodations.  It is important to plan for accommodations ahead of time since the process of documentation review and approval can take time.

§   Documentation of a disability must: include recent test data from a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional; state the diagnosis using DSM-IV; ICD-10 codes; substantiate significant functional limitations.

§   An IEP or 504 Plan from the public school system is not sufficient documentation.

§   Documentation criteria for specific disabilities are available upon request.

§   If a student’s documentation does not meet West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s ODS’s guidelines then the student may work proactively with their Disability Counselor who can assist in obtaining appropriate documentation.

ACCOMMODATIONS                         

§   Students are personally responsible for applying in a timely manner to the WVU Parkersburg ODS regarding their need for accommodations upon admission to WVU Parkersburg.

§   A Disability Counselor, in conjunction with the student, develops accommodations specific to both the student’s needs and appropriate documentation.

§   Students must hand deliver their accommodation authorization letters to their respective instructors during the instructor’s office hours.  It is recommended that accommodation letters not be delivered in class. 

§   Planning and implementation of accommodations by the instructor may take time; therefore, letters authorizing accommodations should be delivered as soon as possible.

§   Problems with receiving accommodations should first be communicated to the instructor by the student.  If not resolved, the student should contact their disability counselor.

§   If a student changes their schedule by adding a class they should notify their disability counselor as soon as possible if accommodation letters are needed.

§   Students must contact the ODS at the beginning of each semester to arrange for academic accommodations and complete the release of information.

§   If a student feels they are not being appropriately accommodated they may file a complaint with the Executive Assistant to the President for Policy and Social Justice at (304)424-8201.                                                                     

 3/07