Access Services

Accommodations

Access Services Policy

All students have been accepted by the College based on their ability to succeed academically and are required to meet the same academic and technical standards.

Access Services provides academic support and accommodations to students with disabilities or temporary conditions. Accessing accommodations is an ongoing and interactive process where information can be gathered from the student and from other relevant sources. We ask that students interview with Access Services to discuss their requests. We prefer students to present any documentation that describes their disability and the impact on educational experiences and in the educational environment early in the process. Each student’s requests will be evaluated on an individual basis.

The purpose of documentation is to assist in providing information and understanding how the courses or facilities might present barriers and to what degree the disability affects the student, and to plan for accommodations to facilitate access.

Winona Campus Accommodations

We are here to help you achieve success! Check out our resources which are aimed to enhance your learning experience. Each semester you will need to request accommodations for your classes.

Request Accommodations with Access Services

If you have had accommodations in the last semester, you may complete the Spring 2021 Academic Accommodations Request Form.

If you have never had accommodations in place, please schedule an appointment using Google Calendar with Karen Hemker.

Documentation for Healthcare Provider
- Revisions.Request for Academic Accommodation

Testing

Testing Agreement Form for 2020-21 Academic Year
- Please fill out the Testing Agreement form for the 2020-21 Academic Year.
Spring 2021 Student Testing Form
- Please fill out the Student Testing Form for Spring 2021 for all exams and quizzes to be taken in the SSC.

Student Testing Protocol and Processes

The following testing protocols and procedures are for the academic semester:

Students will complete the Student Testing Form to request testing times and alert the SSC of the time/date of their exam.
Instead of handing faculty manila envelopes to place their exam in, students will notify faculty via email one week in advance of the exams. Please copy Access Services (AccessServices@smumn.edu) on the email.
Once faculty receive notification from the student, they will submit the student’s exam via a Faculty Testing Form providing enough time for SSC staff to print and/or scan the exam for the students.
Access Services will print or prepare an electronic exam for the student.
Access Services will email student their testing time, box to pick up their exam, and which room they will be testing in.
Students will ring the doorbell to enter the Student Success Center at the door closest to the elevator and the IT helpdesk.
Student workers will let the students in.
Students will place their bags in the cubby and hang their coats.
Students will get their exam from the designated box on the wall and notify Taylor at her door.
Their exam will also list the room they will be testing in via a Sticky note
Student will disinfect when entering testing space.
Student will take the exam.
Upon completion of the exam, student will notify Taylor and place their exam in the drop box across from the box where they picked up their exam.
Student will disinfect space when they have completed their exam

Alternate Format Textbooks

Spring 2021 Book Request Form
- Please fill out the Spring 2021 Book Request Form for textbooks in an alternative format.

Audio Recording of Classes

In some cases, students with disabilities may record their class lectures. The student is responsible for the set up of equipment and for the recording of the lecture. Once recorded, it may not be shared with other students. The professor and/or Access Services may stipulate conditions for recording. All files are to be erased, deleted, or destroyed at the end of the semester.

Summer Courses

Here will be where you will access helpful links regarding your summer courses.

If you need summer class accommodations please fill out the form below.
- SU21 Intake Form

Do you need to take a Test or Quiz in the Student Success Center?

Click Here

Are you looking to Request a Book?

Do you need your text book in an alternative format to enahce your learning? Click below to fill out our book request form!

Click Here

Have you filled out your yearly Accommodations Form?

Click Here

Documentation for Healthcare Provider

Students with a diagnosed learning, physical, medical, or mental health conditions requiring academic accommodations should complete and return this form, including the section to be completed by your healthcare provider.

Click Here

SGPP Campus Accommodations

Are you a student on the SGPP Campus? Check here for resources to enhance your learning experience!

Apply for SGPP Accommodations

Alternate Format Textbooks

Books are available in alternate formats for qualified students to assist them in the successful completion of their classes. Eligible students should meet with the Director of Access Services after registering for their classes to determine what books are needed. Students must provide proof of purchase of their books to meet copyright laws of publishers.

Link for Book Form 2020-2021 SGPP

Testing Accommodations for SGPP

Link for 2020-21 Testing Form SGPP

Academic Dishonesty

Students at Saint Mary’s University are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. If a staff member suspects a student of academic dishonesty, they will stop the exam and confiscate any questionable materials along with the exam. A review of the recording on camera will be used if needed. The instructor will determine the academic consequences for the exam according to the current SMU catalog policy for academic dishonesty.

Do you need to take a Test or Quiz?

Please fill out the SGPP Testing Accommodations form listed below.

Click Here

Are you looking to Request a Book?

Do you need your text book in an alternative format to enhance your learning? Click below to fill out our book request form!

Click Here

Have you applied for SGPP Access Services?

Click Here

Additional Information

At times, students who are registered with Access Services are eligible for priority registration so that they can establish a class schedule that will accommodate their physical and/or academic needs. Time should be allowed between classes so that exams can be taken with extended time at the same time as the class. You must meet with your advisor prior to registering to discuss this accommodation.

Temporary conditions are conditions such as a broken leg, illness, or hospitalization. They are not disabilities and are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a student who has been recently hospitalized, had an accident, or had a family emergency, you may want to be aware of the following information.

Student Checklist for Assistance during Temporary Conditions

It may be helpful to provide campus offices with your cell phone number.
Contact each of your professors to let them know of your absence as soon as possible. Clarify what you need to do while you are away from class and follow up promptly. If you cannot meet a deadline, be sure to contact your professor to ask what you need to do. Any changes in deadlines are at the professor’s discretion.
In addition, you may ask Student Health Services to notify your professors of your absence. This is not an excused absence, but an official SMU absence notification. (This does not take the place of #1). If the student will miss more than one day of class and/or miss a test/quiz/major project the student should make an appointment in Student Health for evaluation and verification of the health concern. If the student must return home for an extended period of time, or has documentation from a health care provider describing the nature of the student’s health condition and the length of time the student will miss classes, the student should speak with a nursing professional in Student Health Services and provide the necessary documentation. Student Health will then notify the Student Success Center that an absence is due to a health concern. The Student Success Center will send a general email to the student’s instructors.
If your class notes are not on blackboard or you do not have access to Tegrity for this class, ask a classmate to take notes in each of your classes and copy or email the notes to you. Thank them.
Student Health Services the Wellness Center may provide a medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Documentation of medical treatment can also be provided. Additional support, such as assistance with food services or temporary parking is also provided through this office. Contact Christina Uribe NItti at: curibeni@smumn.edu or 507-457-1493.
Communicate with your professors by email and keep a file of your communication during your absence. This is your primary communication regarding your academic progress, so place top priority on it.
All Saint Mary’s students are welcome to use the resources through Learning Assistance Services in the Student Success Center, contact jdulak@smumn.edu, 457-1414, Director of Learning Services.
Counseling Services in the Wellness Center provides emotional/mental health therapy and support. Contact: Dr. Ruth Mathews, 507-457-1773.
If you have a temporary disabling condition, contact the Student Success Center. You may be able to arrange academic accommodations for tests that are missed during your temporary condition. If the temporary condition becomes a permanent disability you will want to register with this office for academic accommodations through the Winona Campus with Karen Hemker, 457-1465 or khemker@smumn.edu or through the Twin Cities Campus with Laura Lanning at accessservicessgpp@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s University resources for students:

Counseling Services

Residence Life

Campus Safety

Student Health Services

Student Success Center

The following link reviews the new policy for animals that provide emotional support and services. It explains:

Definitions
Procedure to Request a Service Animal in University Housing
Procedure to Request an Emotional Support Animal in University Housing
Conflicting Disabilities
Owner’s Responsibilities in University Housing
Expectations of Faculty, Staff, Students
Removal of Approved Animal
Damages
Roommate/Suitemate Acknowledgement

Please click on the following link to download a PDF of our current policy.

Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy

Request Form for Emotional Support Animal

It is expected that the student will initiate a conversation with the professor regarding their needs and accommodations for their classes as soon as possible. Students are responsible for discussing the Notice of Accommodation email with their professor.

Discussing academic concerns or disability related accommodations with professors can be difficult, especially the first time. Below are steps to help you with this process.

Schedule your meeting as early in the semester as possible
- Find a time during scheduled office hours, or by appointment, to meet privately with your professor. Arrange the meeting early in the semester.
Start in your comfort zone.
- If it feels overwhelming to talk to all your professors, start by meeting the ones you are most comfortable around. As you gain confidence, schedule the other meetings.
Organize your thoughts, or even role-play, prior to the meeting.
- Think about your accommodation requests or any information you may want to discuss.
Let the accommodations be your guide.
- Focus the discussion on your accommodations, not your disability. You do not need to disclose your diagnosed disability to receive accommodations.
Discuss testing arrangements with your professor.
- This would be a good time to talk about when and where you will be taking your exams. You will want to discuss testing times if your class schedule does not allow you to take your exams at the same time as the class (i.e. night classes or back-to-back classes.
Be open to suggestions or comments from instructors.
- Accommodations often require a collaborative effort and instructors are frequently able to offer creative suggestions for implementing accommodations.