Frequently Asked Student Questions
New Students and Student Allies
-
How Does a Student Register for Disability Services?
Students who are requesting accommodations register with Disability Services.
Please note, if you have not completed the Housing Application, we are unable to make Housing Accommodation Recommendations until that process has been completed.
-
What Accommodations Does the Student Qualify For?
Disability Services determines appropriate accommodations based on the student’s documentation, experiences, the impact of their disability, and any prior use of accommodations. Accommodations are determined through the interactive process, on an individual basis, and in accordance with university policy.
-
What Docementation is Needed to Request Accommodations?
Disability Services must have documentation from a professional that lists a specific disability or diagnosis. Docuemtnation can be a psychological evaluation or a letter from a medical doctor or other qualified provider.
-
The student has an IEP/ 504 in High School. Does that automatically transfer to ETSU?
No. IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans from high school can be important supporting documentation, but do not automatically transfer. Colleges are governed by federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act), but these laws work differently in postsecondary education than in K–12.
At ETSU, students are responsible for registering with Disability Services and providing documentation of their disability to the Office of Disability Services. Once documentation is reviewed, Disability Services can determine what accommodations are reasonable and provide support. This means accommodations may be similar to high school, but they are not guaranteed to be the same.
ADA vs IDEA (COMING SOON)
Tip for students and allies:
- Gather documentation from high school: evaluations, medical documentation, and IEP (if applicable).
- Contact ETSU’s Disability Services early—preferably before classes start.
- Be prepared to discuss what accommodations helped most in high school and what you may need in college.
-
How long does the Registeration Process Take?
After you submit your forms and documentation, a Disability Services staff member will contact you to schedule a meeting. You will receive written notice with an appointment within 10 business days.
What happens during the meeting:
- Intake: Staff review your documentation and discuss your request for accommodations.
- Eligibility & Planning: Staff assess whether your documentation supports the request and determine next steps--further clarification and plan for reasonable accommodations.
- Notification: You will be informed during the meeting—or shortly after—whether your accommodations are approved.
Note: The exact timing depends on how complete your documentation is and the interactive process with Disability Services.