Hobart and William Smith Colleges

frequently asked questions

When can I apply for accommodations? 

Current Students: Students at HWS can request academic accommodations at any time during their enrollment. However, we recommend applying as soon as a need is identified, as approved accommodations are not retroactive.

First-Year and Transfer Students: Admitted students can self-identify through the Orientation Portal and request accommodations via the Accommodate Portal. After submitting a request, the Disability Services Office will contact the student to schedule an initial meeting, often held virtually over the summer. At HWS, students can request accommodations at any time during their enrollment. However, we recommend applying as soon as a need is identified to start the accommodation process. Approved accommodations are not retroactive. 

What does the accommodation process look like? 

At HWS, we have a straightforward, individualized, and collaborative accommodation process. To start, a student completes an Accommodation Request Form (access here) and uploads their disability documentation. The Disability Services (DS) team will then invite the student to an initial meeting to discuss an accommodation plan. 

Steps: 

1. 1. Self-Identification 

1. 2. Provide disability information and documentation 
2. 3. Initial Accommodation Meeting 

What documentation do I need? 

Documentation submitted to Disability Services (DS) must indicate that the student’s disability substantially limits one or more major life activities. It should reflect functional limitations currently impacting the student, as determined by a qualified professional. 

There is no specific documentation requirement, but the documentation must reflect the student’s current functional limitations. DS may waive documentation requirements for disabilities that are readily apparent or obvious (e.g., paralysis, total blindness, deafness). 

Common types of documentation may include: 

• Neuropsychological or psychological evaluations 

• Medical or diagnostic reports 

• Audiology reports 

• Physician’s letter on letterhead and signed 

Recent secondary school documentation, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans, may assist in determining services. However, DS reserves the right to determine whether submitted documentation supports the need for reasonable accommodations based on the functional impact of the disability in the college environment.

What type of accommodations do you offer? 

We offer a range of both academic and non-academic accommodations tailored to individual needs to help remove barriers that a student faces as a result of their disability. 

Common academic accommodations include: 

• Extended time 

• Private exam space 

• Course Materials in Alternative Formats  

• Note-Taking aids

The CTL also offers academic support to all students. You can find more information about all these services on the CTL website. 

How do disability accommodations differ between high school and college? 

In transitioning from high school to college, the landscape of accommodations for students with disabilities shifts. In high school, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs, focusing on ensuring success through fundamental modifications to programs and curricula. Students are supported by parents and teachers in advocating for their needs. 

In contrast, college accommodations fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, emphasizing access rather than fundamental modifications. Students must self-identify to the Disability Services Office and take primary responsibility for their accommodations. 

How will my professors know that I have accommodations? 

Each semester, students with HWS accommodations review their upcoming courses and select the ones to which they wish to apply accommodations. 

Once your Semester Request is submitted, an official Accommodation Letter will be processed and sent to the professors you indicate. 

Completing a Semester Request grants Disability Services permission to communicate with your professors about your accommodations. We will not send an Accommodation Letter unless a Semester Request is complete. 

Note: Students should wait to submit a Semester Request until they have received their syllabi and have attended at least one of each class.

What other resources can help me academically? 

Our Student Enrichment programs through the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) offer peer-based support for all students: 

• Writing Fellows for writing assignments 

• Teaching Fellow drop-ins for content-specific help 

• Study Mentors for organization and time management 

• Athletic Study Mentors for student athletes 

You can find more information about all these services on the CTL website here.

What is a Semester Request? 

Students with academic accommodations need to submit a Semester Request on Accommodate every semester. This process allows students to choose which accommodations they want applied to each class. By completing a Semester Request, you give Disability Services permission to communicate with your professors about your accommodations. 

Once your Semester Request is submitted, an Accommodation Letter will be processed and sent to the specified professors. Please wait to submit your Semester Request until you are officially registered for classes, have received your syllabi, and have attended at least one session of each class. 

Follow the instructions provided in the linked document on how to complete a Semester Request on Accommodate (access here).  

For further assistance, contact Disability Services at ctl@hws.edu.

How do I reserve a CTL Testing Room for an upcoming assessment? 

For students approved for assessment accommodations, you need to submit your Semester Request before you can book a Testing Room on Accommodate. 

All Test Room Booking Requests must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to your exam. You can book all your exams as soon as you receive the information in your syllabus. If you need assistance, please contact CTLTesting@hws.edu. 

Follow the instructions provided in the linked document on how to submit a Test Room Booking Request on Accommodate (access here). 

I think I’d like to adjust my accommodations... 

Your disability-related accommodation needs may vary depending on the requirements of different courses. To modify your current accommodations, you can submit a Supplemental Request on Accommodate. 

After submitting a Supplemental Request, you will meet with the Associate Director of CTL for Disability Services to discuss the changes and determine reasonable accommodation(s). 

Follow the instructions provided in the linked document on how to complete a Supplemental Request on Accommodate (access here). 

For further assistance, contact Disability Services at ctl@hws.edu. 

Are there any free text-to-speech assistive technologies available? 

• For Mac users, we recommend using Spoken Content as a text-to-speech option. 

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) offers a "Read Aloud" feature. 

• Microsoft Edge also includes a "Read Aloud" feature. 

• Read&Write is a free extension that can be downloaded to any computer. 

• Canvas includes a built-in Immersive Reader for all content created and posted on the platform. 

• Speechify offers a free version with access to 10 standard voices. 

• Additionally, for exams, Disability Services provides equipment with text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities for students approved for assistive technology accommodations.

• What if I have questions? 

  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us through the following channels: 

  • Email us at ctl@hws.edu 
  • Call us at (315) 781-3351 
  • Visit us on the second floor of the library. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.