POLICIES, HANDBOOK & ACCOMMODATIONS

Villanova Law strives to provide an environment for the personal and intellectual growth of all its students and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In order to meet these commitments, Villanova offers educational opportunities and reasonable academic accommodations for the needs of qualified students with disabilities. The standards for academic credit should not be modified for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities have fulfilled the same entrance requirements, have the same range of backgrounds and experiences as other students at Villanova and should be fully capable of meeting Villanova's standards. The Law School’s goal is to provide access and reasonable accommodations to help the students achieve those expectations.

Students seeking academic accommodations must submit current documentation, including supporting reports of tests and other measurements and assessments provided by a qualified treating professional, and transmitted directly (email preferred) from that professional, including a cover letter signed by the treating professional, to the Assistant Dean of Students and Academic Success. The Assistant Dean will consider the request and supporting documentation in consultation with the Office of Learning Support Services and/or the Office of Disability Services (as applicable). The Assistant Dean, in consultation with the Office of Learning Support Services and/or the Office of Disability Services (as applicable), may request additional information if necessary, as the process contemplates collaboration among the treating professionals, the Law School and the student. The student may be asked to sign releases to allow the free exchange of information among all those involved with meeting their needs. The Assistant Dean, in consultation with the Office of Learning Support Services and/or the Office of Disability Services (as applicable), will decide what accommodations will be offered. If a student is dissatisfied with the academic accommodation, concerns may be addressed to the Dean and the Office of Academic Affairs. The process contemplates an ongoing assessment of needs and the reasonable means of meeting those needs.

The granting of academic accommodations is strictly confidential; faculty members are not notified unless the particular accommodation requires the cooperation of the faculty member, in which case disclosure is limited to only what is necessary. Students with physical disabilities that require accommodations unrelated to the academic program are coordinated through the Assistant Dean of Students and Academic Success or the Office of Disability Services. All requests for exam accommodations should be submitted no later than one month prior to the last day of classes for the semester.

For more information on Villanova Law's official policy on handling student complaints, please refer to the Student Handbook.