The Access Office coordinates services for students with disabilities and acts as a resource center for information and guidance. Many services are provided which are designed to benefit students and assist them in both their academic and non-academic life. At Rockhurst University, the Student Access office is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive equal access to programs offered on campus by providing reasonable accommodations.

For detailed policies regarding access services, download and print* the Faculty and Staff Handbook (156k, pdf file).

How do I know if I am eligible to receive accommodations?
A student is eligible for services if he/she has identified him/herself to the Access Office at Rockhurst University, has presented documentation regarding his/her disability to Rockhurst University, and it is determined that accommodations are needed to assist the student to succeed in the classroom. Please note that, in a post-secondary institution, students must identify themselves as having a disability and needing accommodations.

To request more information, please fill out a request for information form.

If I contact the Access Office, is what I disclose confidential?
Yes! Anything that is discussed by the student to the Access Office Director is confidential. If a student qualifies for accommodations, the Access Office then contacts the faculty member(s) involved to inform them of accommodations. Section 504 of the Rehabiliation Act of 1973 states that any information regarding a person's disability shall be considered confidential and shall be shared with others only on a need-to-know basis. Therefore, the Access Office only informs faculty members of the accommodations to be made, not the nature of the disability. Confidential information is kept in a separate file with limited access in order to maintain confidentiality.

Where is the Access Office?
The Access Office at Rockhurst University is located in the lower level of Massman Hall in room 7.

Whom do I contact?
Sandy Waddell is the Director of the Access Office, and can be reached at (816)501-4689, Rockhurst University Student Development, 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64110.

Syllabus Statement

Rockhurst University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact Sandy Waddell in Access Services ( Massman Hall, Room 7, (816)501-4689, sandy.waddell@rockhurst.edu) to provide documentation and request accommodations.  If accommodations have already been approved by the Access Office, please communicate with the instructor(s) of this course regarding these arrangements by the second week of class in order to coordinate receipt of services.

Accommodations and services coordinated through the Access Office include:

• Taped text
• Note takers
• Sign language interpreters
• Readers
• Print enlargers
• Talking calculators
• Assistance in filling out forms
• Specialized computers for persons with Visual impairments
• Extended time to complete exams and/or assignments
• Testing in a non-distracting, quiet setting