Prospective Students

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Macalester College provide services for students with disabilities?

  Yes, accommodations and services are provided for students with documented disabilities to provide equal access to educational programs and services in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990 as amended in 2008).

• Is there a separate admissions process for students with disabilities?

  No, the admission process and criteria are the same for all students applying to Macalester. disability status will not be a consideration in admission decisions.

• I am planning a campus visit, can I meet with someone from the Center for Disability Resources?

  Yes, depending on availability, you may set up a time to meet with the Center for Disability Resources. Arrangements can be through the Admissions office. However, please note, Disability Resources cannot make any determination of accommodations or review of documentation during campus visits. Documentation is reviewed only after students are accepted and deposited.

• Should I send my disability documentation with my application?

  No, any disability related documentation should be submitted directly to Disability Resources only after you have been accepted, chosen to attend Macalester, and made your deposit.

• I have been accepted to Macalester College. When should I request accommodations and submit documentation?

  Accommodation requests for incoming students should be submitted directly to Disability Resources once you have deposited. Although the accommodation process is rolling and there is no deadline, accommodation requests along with disability documentation should be submitted by July 1 to ensure that accommodations can be approved and implemented in a timely manner. Review of accommodation requests and documentation for incoming students will not begin until after the end of the spring Semester.

• Is there a fee for support from the Center for Disability Resources?

  No, Macalester College does not charge a fee for support from Disability Resources. Students are responsible for aids or assistance of a personal nature such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, computers to be used at home or attendants for services of a personal nature including assistance with bathing, dressing or life coaching.

• How do I request accommodations?

  Students who are interested in seeking out accommodations would start by completing the AIM Application. Once this is submitted, the student should schedule a meeting with Disability Resources. Students will also be asked to provide supporting documentation related to their disability. It is up to the student to initiate the accommodation process. Links to the AIM Application and the Documentation Guidelines are available on our Disability Resources webpage.

• What documentation do I need?

  Information about  documentation  can be found on the Documentation section of our Disability Resources webpage. Documentation must be relevant, comprehensive, and provide a nexus between the disability and the accommodations being requested.

• What type of reasonable accommodations are available at Macalester College?

  The Center for Disability Resources provides academic, housing, and dietary related accommodations. Temporary accommodations may also be provided due to an injury or severe illness. All accommodations are determined on a case by case basis.

  Examples of potential reasonable accommodations include but are not limited to:
  – Extended Time on Exams
  – Distraction Reduced Testing Enviornement
  – Note-Taking Assistantce
  – Limited Flexability with Absences and Assignment Deadlines
  – Permisson to Record Lectures
  – Housing Accommodations
  – Dietary Accommodations
  – Textbooks/ Materials in Alternative Format
  – Use of Assistive Technology

   

• Does Macalester provide assistive technology?

  The Center for Disability Resources does have a variety of Assistive Technology available for students with disabilities. Students who are interested in learning more can visit the Assistive Technology section of our webpage.