Frequently asked questions
Are tutoring services available through Disability Services?
Disability Services does not offer tutoring. Under the ADA, tutoring is considered a personal service and is not considered an accommodation. However, UAF has a variety of ways for students to obtain course assistance. Students who experience a disability have equal access to existing UAF programs for which they qualify. Many campuses have writing centers, math labs and TRIO programs. A range of developmental courses are available both online and in person. There are also online tutoring programs offered through the UAF Advising Center as well as a variety of workshops and seminars regarding study skills and test taking.
Where should I park on campus? Do I have to pay and where do I get a permit?
Each parking lot at UAF is ADA compliant and contains the correct percentage of accessible parking spaces. The UAF campus map contains a legend with an icon indicating the location of the accessible parking spaces. For information regarding fees and stickers, please go to UAF Parking Services.
Does Disability Services offer any scholarships?
There are a few scholarships available through the Financial Aid Office which are particular to students who experience disabilities for more information see please visit Disability Services Financial Aid.
What do I do if I have disabilities that affect my UAF residential housing arrangements?
UAF has housing options that provide accessibility to students. If you are making a request for special housing the request should be about having a disability that requires access considerations and not simply a preference issue. The intent of the ADA is to grant individuals access to places and programs. Requests for single rooms are processed in the same way for all students and all students must follow the residential life procedures, deadlines, pay the requisite fees and abide by the housing contract.
What if I miss a lot of classes due to my disability?
Though some instructors may have flexible attendance policies, not all do, and no instructor is required to grant leniency to the extent that standards and essential learning elements of their courses are violated. Instructors are in charge of the class and may or may not have attendance policies. For further information see Disability Services attendance policies.
Can I request interpreting services for non-academic programs or events?
Requests for interpreting services for non-academic programs or events should be directed to and handled by the sponsoring entity. The Disability Services office can provide a list of interpreters available to the sponsoring entity.
When and Where should I send my documentation?
You can either bring your documentation to your initial appointment or send it to us in advance.
Documentation can be mailed, faxed or emailed to:
Fax: (907)474-5688
Email: uaf-disabilityservices@alaska.edu
Address:
Disability Services
612 North Chandalar, PO Box 755590
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-5590
What documentation is required to receive academic accommodations?
Different disabilities require different kinds of documentation. For a complete description of documentation requirements please view Disability Services documentation.
Is there a fee for services?
Students determined to be eligible to receive academic accommodations are not charged for services.
Do I have to use the Disability Services program?
If you do not require any accommodations, you can choose to keep disability information private. If you need accommodations because of your disability, however, you must identify yourself to Disability Services in order to receive accommodations. UAF cannot provide any service, modification or accommodation when UAF Disability Services has not been notified. It is a student's responsibility to make their needs known in advance each semester.
What if I don't use my accommodations?
A student can decide not to use accommodations. The letter of accommodation serves to clarify that the student falls into a protected group of individuals under the ADA. If a letter of accommodation is not presented at the beginning of the semester, or if the student does not identify themselves as a person with a disability to the instructor, the law does not apply.
What should I do if my instructor refuses or neglects to make the accommodations noted in the letter of accommodation from Disability Services?
You should contact Disability Services immediately when you encounter a problem. The Disability Services director will then act as a liaison and advocate to remediate the situation.