Academic Accessibility
At the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility, we strive to create a learning environment where all students' needs are met. All students, including those with disabilities, are able to utilize the many campus-based resources that Tulane is pleased to offer. However, we acknowledge that in order to remove academic barriers and create an equitable learning environment, some students may need tools and supports beyond specific accommodsations. Check out this page to learn more about out what our student-focused academic accommodations process entails and how to go about requesting academic accommodations.
About Academic Accessibility
Tulane University has a variety of resources to help students thrive academically, from the Academic Learning and Tutoring Center's free tutoring services to action-oriented Success Coaching. For some students, additional disability-related accommodations are necessary to eliminate environmental barriers and create equal access to classroom content and experiences. Thus, the Goldman Center has developed an interactive process for requesting accommodations which involves the review of information, including but not limited to student self-reports, medical documentation, and the resources available to students in the pursuit of completing core curriculum requirements set by the University in order to earn a Tulane Degree.
We are all partners in this work of creating an equitable environment for students with disabilities at Tulane. Our interactive process is designed to respectively collaborate with students, faculty, the Goldman Center, and other campus partners. We ask that you keep these resources and our commitment to adhering to University standards and procedures in mind when pursuing your accommodations request. You can find more information on all of these resources and standards below. We look forward to building a more accessible community together with you through your time here at Tulane.
The primary route for requesting academic accommodations is the Goldman Student Portal. Here, students can find the online request form, documentation guidelines, and fillable provider form. More information on the academic accommodation request process can be found here. Please keep in mind that submitting an academic accommodations request does not guarantee that request will be granted.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Tulane students can request accommodations at any point throughout their time at Tulane. However, logistical considerations in the review, determination, and implementation of certain accommodations necessitate adherence to certain priority deadlines for a student to submit an application with the Goldman Center, to allow for review, determination, and coordination. These dates are in conjunction with important dates of the Academic Calendar set by the Office of the University Registrar. To view this year's dates and deadlines for academic accessibility requests, students should review our important deadlines page.
Resources for Academic Accessibility
As Tulane University students, you have access to a variety of resources for addressing academic accessibility concerns. We have supports for many academic accessibility concerns already in place, so please make sure to explore the resources below. We may ask what campus-based supports you have utilized when considering your request for academic accommodations, as we always prioritize campus-based solutions. Some helpful supports may include attending Supplemental Instruction sessions through the ALTC, accessing learning resources through the Language Learning Center, working with a Success Coach or Peer Success Leader, and attending your professor's office hours.
The Academic Learning and Tutoring Center provides everything from free class tutoring, to writing coaching, to math help to aid students' success.
Success coaches explore students' behaviors, values, motivators, and emotions to identify action-oriented results that will help them meet their goals.
The NTC Learning Toolkit is a Canvas resource that has tips studying, note taking, organizing, planning, and much more.
The Language Learning Center has more information on language offerings, requirements, and placement for students.
The Academic Advising department can help students determine their unique course and degree requirements.
Wave of Support is a campus-wide program with various resources to support students mental health and wellbeing.
Academic Accessibility for Graduate Programs
The Goldman Center serves students across Tulane programs. The application process for graduate and professional programs are the same process: complete an online application, submit sufficient supporting documentation aligned with our documentation guidelines, and self-schedule your Access Interview to explore what supports are indicated in removing an identified access barrier.
However, due to considerations around specific barriers in graduate programs, graduate students are ineligible for Desk Review. A standard Access Interview should be scheduled. In certain graduate programs, considerations fundamental alteration explorations must also include a technical standards review. A technical standard refers to all nonacademic criteria that are essential to participation in the program in question.
Additional support for graduate students is also detailed through Student Resources & Support Services. Additional detail about specific programs-- and appropriate academic support within the program-- can be found here.
Fundamental Alteration Exploration
Accommodations are designed to include students in the curriculum rather than exclude students from these requirements. Therefore, the Goldman Center will consider a scope academic accommodations and adjustments which do not amount to a fundamental alteration.
Each accommodation is considered on an individual, case-by-case basis. A necessary accommodation for one student may not be the same for another student.
Frequently Asked Questions
To begin the accommodations request process, you should fill out the online request form and upload relevant documentation. Information on documentation guidelines as well as where to find the online request form can be found here or in the 'Quick Links' section of this webpage below.
No, your accommodations will not automatically carry over to college. In high school, accommodations are granted in order to guarantee student success, whereas in college they are granted to guarantee equal access. Thus, the accommodations determination process looks slightly different. For more on the differences between high school and college accommodations, as well as how to request academic accommodations at Tulane, click here.
When students apply for accommodations, the Goldman Center considers what is necessary to remove or implement in the environment to provide access for the student. In some circumstances, the removal of the identified barrier would result in a fundamental alteration of the program requirements and standards. In this case, the Goldman Center would undergo a fundamental alteration exploration of the requested accommodation.
A fundamental alteration exploration is a change, alteration, or modification that would alter the essential nature of a program, including courses and degree programs. When it is determined that the removal of the identified barrier would result in a fundamental alteration these standards, including academic rigor, the University is not obligated to remove that barrier. Instead, the University will consider what scope of support and accommodations may be recommended to mitigate the impact of the barrier.
This exploration is frequently triggered in requests related to alterations to the NTC foreign language requirement, course registration policies set forth by the Registrar, and attendance policies set forth in class syllabi. An intentional, case-by-case review of these requests will be considered in the interactive process.
NOTE: Tulane University is committed to and encourages a diverse and inclusive community that respects and values individual differences. If you have experienced discrimination, please refer to our grievance procedure for details on how to file a complaint.
