LCI-Student Accessibility Center (SAC) Faculty and Staff Training

Introduction

If a professor believes that an approved accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of a service, program, activity, or an essential academic requirement of the course, they should complete the Fundamental Alteration Reporting Form. Each submission will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Fundamental Alteration Procedure.

Fundamental Alteration

State and federal laws require NCCU LCI-Student Accessibility Center (LCI–SAC) to follow specific steps when students request accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the University must:

  1. Engage in an individualized, interactive process for each request and avoid blanket statements or general policies.
  2. Ensure students do not need to request the same accommodation more than once for a course.
  3. Prevent students from having to negotiate their accommodations directly with faculty.
  4. Make determinations about possible fundamental alterations through a group of trained individuals, including academic and SAC representatives, with input from the Accommodations Advisory Committee.
  5. Consider alternative accommodations or modifications that would not fundamentally alter the essential nature of a course or program.

Questions about whether an accommodation would fundamentally alter a service, program, or activity are reviewed on a case-by-case basis following the Fundamental Alteration Procedure below.

Essential objectives are the core skills, knowledge, and outcomes all students must demonstrate to meet course or program standards. These objectives:

  • Clearly state the purpose of the course or program.
  • Identify key skills, knowledge, or competencies required.
  • Define the framework used to maintain academic and program standards.

If an instructor believes an approved accommodation may fundamentally alter one or more essential requirements, they must provide information about these objectives to ensure a fair and informed review by SAC and other relevant professionals.

  1. SAC, in collaboration with the instructor and other campus partners (such as program faculty, department chair, or other relevant administrators), collects information about the essential course requirements and possible alternative accommodations. A meeting may be held to discuss this information.
  2. SAC reviews the collected information with the Accommodations Advisory Committee and makes a final determination. The decision and rationale are communicated to the student in writing.
  3. In line with the interactive process, SAC will review any additional information provided by the student.

To determine the essential requirements of a course or program, instructors must complete the Fundamental Alteration Reporting Form. Instructors should include relevant documentation such as the syllabus, certification or accreditation standards, technical standards, or professional association requirements. This information helps establish essential objectives and identify whether the requested accommodation impacts them.

  1. What is the purpose of the course, and what are the essential objectives and outcomes all students must meet?
  2. Are there specific instructional methods, participation requirements, or assessments that are essential to the course?
  3. Are alternative methods available to achieve the same results?
  4. Which essential objective(s) would the requested accommodation alter?
  5. What critical function does the objective serve within the academic program?
  6. Are there any non-negotiable components of the course?
  7. Are other course sections available that use different instructional methods (for example, remote attendance)?
  8. Has a similar modification ever been granted in this course or program? If so, under what circumstances?

Goal

The goal of this process is to identify essential course and program objectives while exploring reasonable methods for maintaining access. This may include reviewing instructional methods, assessment formats, or alternative ways to demonstrate required competencies.

Outcome

After review, SAC will notify both the instructor and the student of the final decision in writing. If an accommodation is denied or an alternative is identified, SAC will provide a written explanation.

Contact Information

For questions, please contact:
LCI - Student Accessibility Center (SAC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 919-530-6325