Student Disability Accommodation Policy and Procedures

Within the guidelines set forth in this policy, Missouri State University is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Equal access for qualified students with disabilities is an obligation of the University under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Missouri State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability against otherwise-qualified individuals in any program, service or activity offered by the University. The University is committed to insuring that no otherwise-qualified individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids or other appropriate services; however, accommodations cannot result in an undue burden to the University or fundamentally alter the requirements essential to a program of instruction. 

Notifying Disability Services of a Request for Accommodation

Students requesting academic accommodations for a disability are responsible for notifying the University of their disability and their request for accommodations. To initiate a request for academic accommodations, students must contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 (voice) or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), http://www.missouristate.edu/disability. On the West Plains Campus, students must contact the Coordinator of Disability Services, Academic Support Center (ASC), 128 Garfield, (417) 255-7940 (voice) or (417) 255-7981 (TTY). The student should notify the aforementioned offices as soon as the need for the academic accommodation becomes evident. In order to receive accommodations, students must provide disability documentation that meets University guidelines. Accommodations will not be provided for undocumented disabilities, except that accommodations may be provided on a provisional basis pending receipt of documentation for disabilities that are readily apparent. Only persons interested in disability-related accommodations or services need provide disability information. Accommodations must have a legitimate educational purpose, and cannot be based simply on applicants’ preferences. Students must initiate a request for every semester in which accommodations are sought. If eligibility for services and the request for academic accommodations are approved, Disability Services (Academic Support Center at the West Plains Campus) or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic will provide the student a letter to be shared with instructors outlining the approved recommended accommodations. 

DS Referrals to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC)

Students seeking accommodation for any type of disability should direct the initial request for accommodation to Disability Services. DS refers students seeking accommodations for psychological or learning disabilities to Missouri State University Learning Diagnostic Clinic. The West Plains Disability Services Coordinator will oversee the administration of DS and/or LDC recommended accommodations at the West Plains Campus. 

Learning Diagnostic Clinic Testing Services

The LDC provides assessments of learning and psychological disabilities. Students who simply wish to inquire about LDC’s diagnostic or testing services do not need to seek referral through Disability Services, but may instead directly contact the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, Alumni Building, Suite 502. To inquire about testing services, contact the Director, LDC, http://www.missouristate.edu/contrib/ldc/, (417) 836-4787. The LDC charges a sliding-scale fee for its testing services. 

Appeal Processes

If the student’s eligibility for services and/or request for academic accommodations is denied, Disability Services or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic will provide to the student written notification of denial, including the basis for denial as well as information on the appeal process. Student appeals related to eligibility for services or the request for academic accommodations shall be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office For Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, Suite 111, 901 South National, Springfield, Missouri 65897, (417) 836-4252 (voice) or (417) 836-6874 (TTY).

At the West Plains Campus, appeals are initiated with the Affirmative Action Liaison, West Plains Civic Center, 128 Garfield, (417) 255-7966. The student has the right to file a disability-related grievance at any time.

A faculty member who believes that accommodations recommended by Disability Services or LDC can be shown to alter or compromise fundamental course or program goals has the right to appeal the provision of those accommodations; however, recommended accommodations should be provided until the appeal is resolved. A faculty member should first address his/her concerns through discussions with Disability Services or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, and may initiate a formal appeal of a recommended academic accommodation by submitting a written statement to the Provost, clearly documenting the fundamental academic goals and demonstrating that the recommended accommodation necessarily compromises those goals. At the West Plains Campus the formal appeal would be initiated with the dean of the appropriate school. A faculty member who is not satisfied with the decision may file a grievance with the Equal Opportunity Officer at the Springfield Campus, or with the Affirmative Action Liaison at the West Plains Campus. 

For the complete policy statement and rights and responsibilities of the University and its faculty as well as the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities, please refer to: http://www.missouristate.edu/disability.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Missouri State University adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). 20 U.S.C. 1232g. Eligible students have four primary rights under FERPA including the right to: (1) inspect their education records, (2) consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent, (3) seek correction of their records, to prevent inaccurate or misleading information, and (4) file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they feel their rights are being violated.  

Directory information may appear in public documents and may otherwise be disclosed by the University for any purpose in its discretion, without the student’s consent. The following categories of information have been designated as directory information at Missouri State University:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number*
• Campus email address
• Field of study, including majors, minors, certifications, and pre-professional areas of study
• Classification (e.g. sophomore)
• Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, or less than part-time)
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports, including photographs of athletes
• Dates of attendance, including matriculation, drop, and withdrawal dates
• Degrees and certificates received including date awarded
• Awards received, including deans list, scholastic honors, departmental honors, memberships in national honor societies, athletic letters, and University-funded scholarships (excluding those that are need-based)
• Previous education institutions attended 

*All non-University contact information provided for purposes of the emergency notification system is not considered directory information.

Right to Limit Disclosure of Directory Information

The University will give annual public notice to students of the categories of information designated as directory information. Currently enrolled students have the right to suppress disclosure of their directory information (FERPA Hold). This hold do not apply retroactively to previous releases of directory information and will remain applicable until the student submits a written request specifying otherwise. To request a FERPA Hold, students must submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar, Carrington Hall, room 320. Students who do not wish for their information to appear in the printed directory must notify the Office of the Registrar by no later than the second week of classes during the fall semester. Requests made after the second week of the fall semester will result in the student information being removed from the web directory only.

Consent To Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information

The University will not release personally identifiable information in education records or allow access to those records except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent, including but not limited to the following: 

• The individual student
• Whomever the student authorizes by providing the institution with a written release (release must be written, signed and dated and must specify the records to be disclosed and the identity of the recipient)
• Any party requesting directory information (unless the student has a Privacy or FERPA hold)
• University officials of Missouri State University who have a legitimate educational interest
• Officials of other schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is enrolled
• Parents if parents claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes. The University will exercise this option only on the condition that evidence of such dependency is furnished to the Office of the Registrar and all requests for disclosures are referred to that office
• Persons in connection with a health or safety emergency
• An alleged victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense in connection with a Disciplinary Proceeding
• Parents regarding alcohol and drug violations of a student under 21 years of age
• As otherwise provided in 20 U.S.C. 1232g(b) and 34 CFR Sec. 99.31 

Additional Information

The University is committed to nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunities and to affirmative action programs designed to strengthen this commitment. The University takes affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in all personnel related activities administered by the institution. This commitment includes the intent to maintain an environment free from discrimination, including harassment, as authorized in the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy. Inquiries regarding the University’s affirmative action program or compliance with Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be addressed to Jana Estergard, Equal Opportunity Officer, Park Central Office Building, Suite 111, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, Missouri 65897, (417) 836-4252.

Liability Protection

Because only officers or employees of the University are generally covered by the legal expense fund, students involved in internships or cooperative employments with other organizations are advised to provide for their own liability insurance through their cooperative employer/internship sponsor, through professional organizations, or personally.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. In addition, the University does not discriminate on any basis (including, but not limited to, political affiliation and sexual orientation) not related to the applicable educational requirements for students or the applicable job requirements for employees. 

This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America. 

The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines should be addressed to Jana Estergard, Equal Opportunity Officer, Park Central Office Building, Suite 111, 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, (417) 836-4252.

Student Conduct 

University Rules for Speakers and Facilities Usage 

1. The use of University facilities for speakers is intended to support the academic mission and is therefore viewed as educational programs. The University retains the exclusive right, through authorized persons and organizations, to determine the appropriateness of speakers scheduled for University facilities. If a speaker is not allowed access to University facilities, that speaker will still have access to the Bear Paw, in accordance with the University’s Expressive Activity Policy. 
2. The University retains the exclusive right to determine the appropriateness of all arrangements required for a speaker appearing in a University facility. 
3. Each University facility (e.g., Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Hammons Student Center, Coger Theater, Plaster Student Union, etc.) will have separate regulations and procedures for the use of the facility which must be followed for any scheduled event. 
4. Any speaker appearing in a University facility must be sponsored by a registered student organization, University organization, or University department. The sponsoring organization is responsible for insuring that procedures for event scheduling are followed. 
5. Press conferences on University-owned property must be arranged for in advance through the University Communications Office. 
6. Orderly picketing and demonstrations are permitted in accordance with the Expressive Activity Policy. 
7. Individuals entertaining guests on campus, in any University facility, are responsible for the proper identification and conformance to rules of the University by such guests. 
8. All buildings or facilities other than residence halls shall be off limits to students after closing hours with the following exceptions:
   1. Students possessing an “after hours” permit, signed by his/her instructor and department head, stating the building, room number, student name, and the times for which the student is cleared.
   2. University student employees who are required to enter the locked buildings in the performance of their duties. The students must be able to validate their employment to Public Safety Officers who encounter them in the closed buildings.
   3. Students who are accompanied by Department of Public Safety personnel, University staff members, or faculty members.
9. Arrangements for the use of University facilities, including both buildings and grounds, must be made in advance through the Conference Services Office. Meeting rooms and facilities may be reserved by only those student organizations who are properly registered by the University. 
10. Registered student organizations conducting University-related activities off-campus must register them no less than one week in advance with the Office of Student Activities. 
11. University-funded student travel must be registered in advance with the University office sponsoring the activity. Participating students are subject to the same parameters of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities that are in effect at the University. 
12. The indoor pool at Hammons Student Center is operated during the hours and under the rules published annually by the Director of Hammons Student Center. Students are not permitted inside the pool area when the pool is closed.