Getting Started with the Office of Academic Accessibility
Welcome incoming students to Messiah University! Our goal is to help all students at Messiah thrive and grow while pursuing their academic and personal aspirations. If you received academic accommodations during high school or at another institution of higher learning, you may be interested in pursuing accommodations here at Messiah. Please find an explanation of the process, eligibility guidelines, and the steps to initiate your request in the sections below.
The process at a glance is comprised of four steps.
- The first step is to complete the Request for Accommodation Form. If you have documentation such as a 504 plan or an IEP, there will be an opportunity to upload this information on the form. Please submit this digital form by August 1.
- Once the digital form is submitted, your information will be reviewed and the Office of Academic Accessibility will reach out to share the determination of eligibility and discuss subsequent accommodations. This conversation may occur virtually, in-person, or by email.
- If it is determined that you are eligible for accommodations, a plan will be developed with appropriate accommodations. The OAA will then generate a letter of accommodation for you to provide to professors.
- The final step is for you to attend a brief meeting in the Office of Academic Success (Murray Library Suite 115) typically during the first week of the semester to sign your accommodation letter. Once the document is signed, it will be your responsibility to share the information with your professors.
Our Eligibility Guidelines offer assistance to students and families as they consider requesting accommodations at Messiah University. Please take a moment to review these guidelines.
The Request for Accommodation Form provides the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA) with valuable information. The form will require information about your disability and how it affects access to programs and services, accommodations you received in the past, plus a section where you can upload documentation of disability and past supports. If perhaps you do not have documentation, you may still reach out to the OAA to discuss how we might assist you. Please be sure to use your Messiah University credentials when signing into the form so we received your request.