Policies & Procedures

• Americans with Disabilities Act

• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 508

• Persons with Disabilities Protection Act, Chapter 168A

• North Carolina General Statute 168, Persons With Disabilities: Rights

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General Information

University of North Carolina Pembroke is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All members of the university community are expected to engage in conduct that contributes to its culture of integrity and honor. The university prohibits its faculty, staff, and students from engaging in any form of discrimination, protected-status harassment, and retaliation. The university is committed to providing services for all students with disabilities in accordance with Sections 503, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) 2009, and any other laws affecting services for people with disabilities in a higher education setting.

Students with documented disabilities needing equal access to the university and its programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities may be approved for reasonable accommodations on an individualized and flexible basis. This includes those that are off-site, such as study abroad, field trips, student teaching, internships, and field work. The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) works closely with other departments to provide accommodations in all aspects of campus life.

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment to a course, program, service, job, activity, or facility that enables qualified students with disabilities to have an equal opportunity. An equal opportunity means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to similarly situated students without a disability. UNCP is obligated to make reasonable accommodations only to the known limitations of otherwise qualified disabled students. To determine reasonable accommodations, the Accessibility Resource Center staff may seek information from appropriate UNCP personnel regarding essential standards for courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities. Final determination of reasonable accommodations is made by ARC. 

Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:

1. The barriers resulting from the interaction between the documented disability and the campus environment
2. The possible accommodation(s) that might remove the barriers
3. Whether or not students have access to the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility without accommodations
4. Whether or not essential elements of the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility are compromised by the accommodations

It is the responsibility of students with disabilities, however, to seek available assistance at the university and to make their needs known. The only university office sanctioned and qualified to determine eligibility of services and ensure equitable access for students with disabilities is the office of ARC located in Oxendine Administrative Building, room 110.

To be eligible for disability-related services, students must have a documented disability or condition as defined by the ADAAA and by Section 504. Under the ADAAA and Section 504, a person has a disability if that person has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities.

PROCEDURE

Obtaining academic accommodations must be initiated by the student with a disability. UNCP does not identify and contact students with disabilities for services. Therefore, it is the responsibility of students to identify as a person with a disability seeking services. Students may contact the ARC via telephone at 910.521.6695, by email at arc@uncp.edu, by making an appointment or dropping into the office located in Oxendine Administrative Building, Room 110, by fax at 910.521.6891 or by mailing a letter to:

UNC Pembroke
ARC office
P O Box 1510
Pembroke, N.C. 28372-1510.

1. Students with documented disabilities and requiring accommodations, auxiliary aids and/or services, must seek assistance from ARC in a timely manner, usually prior to the start of classes or as soon as a disability becomes known. An intake meeting will be scheduled in person, over the phone or via WebEx to discuss individual access needs and reasonable accommodations. The interaction between the disability and the academic environment will be discussed to determine the reasonable accommodations. Consultation with faculty, staff and outside professionals regarding essential elements and reasonable accommodations may occur in situations that are new, complex or sensitive by permission of the students.
2. Students with disabilities must apply for services via an online application located on the ARC webpage or by clicking this link ARC Application. Assistance or an alternate format can be provided upon request.
3. Students must provide disability-related documents from appropriately licensed professionals to become certified as students having a disability or disabilities, and to help determine reasonable accommodations by identifying how their disability limits their participation in courses, programs, services, jobs, activities and/or facilities of UNCP. Professionals providing documentation cannot be family members. The cost of obtaining documentation is the responsibility of the student. If the initial documentation is incomplete or insufficient to determine the extent of the disability and reasonable accommodations, ARC has the discretion to require additional documentation. Any cost of obtaining additional documentation is also borne by the student. This information will help ARC provide appropriate academic accommodations and support services.
   
   ARC will maintain official documentation of the disability, including information about the manifestations of the disability, and will ensure that disability-related documents are kept confidential. Information will only be shared with UNCP personnel on a limited and educational need-to-know basis.
4. Once ARC has the application and documentation, the file and request for accommodations will be sent to the UNCP Documentation Review Committee which will determine whether or not the student is a student with a disability or disabilities, as defined by Section 504 and the ADAAA and, if so, will approve reasonable accommodations as also defined by Section 504 and the ADAAA. Please note students may be approved for all of the accommodations requested, none of the accommodations requested, some of the accommodations requested and/or accommodations that were not requested.
5. Once the UNCP Documentation Review Committee has determined eligibility, students will be contacted to meet with an ARC staff member (in person, via telephone or via WebEx) and/or a letter will be sent to students indicating denial or approval of accommodations.
   1. If accommodations are denied, the letter will specify the reason why and will request additional information and/or documentation so that the committee can re-review the request. Additionally, an appeal may be made to the UNCP ADA/504 Coordinator in writing (via letter or email) within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the denial letter if student has reason to believe the decision was made erroneously.
   2. If accommodations are approved, an approval letter will be given outlining all approved accommodations and next steps.
6. Next Steps
   1. Students taking classes on campus:
      ARC staff will then write individualized accommodation letters for students with a disability and will create an “accommodations packet” for each semester (students do not need to reapply for services each semester) for students to deliver to faculty members certifying that students have disabilities and stating the determined reasonable accommodations. ARC staff recommends students identify themselves and their needs to each instructor at the beginning of each semester.
      
      Students’ accommodations will be the same each semester, unless there are changes in the disability or other accommodations are discussed, requested and approved. If any changes need to be made, these need to be discussed at the time of the appointment with ARC staff. It is recommended that students make an appointment to meet with all their instructors as soon as possible at the beginning of the semester after picking up their accommodations packet from an ARC staff member.
      
      The provision of accommodations is often shared between faculty, students and ARC. The completion of the packet and the meeting with the instructor will detail the provisions of approved accommodations, including:
      - The approved accommodations
      - How and when the accommodations will be carried out
      - Any equivalent alternatives that might be considered
      - The students' responsibilities per the agreement.
      
      During the accommodations meeting with the instructor, the student with a disability will fill out a carbon copy instructor-student contract to determine how accommodations will take place for that situation. If there are any questions or any clarification needed during this meeting, it is required that ARC be contacted as outlined on the contract.
      
      The student with a disability must return the original copy of the instructor-student contract to ARC for record keeping and assurance of timely and reasonable implementation of accommodations. ARC will follow up on any further steps needed for providing services. If there are any problems in adhering to the accommodations outlined in the letters, students are expected to notify the ARC staff immediately.
      
      The accommodation letters also invite faculty to contact ARC if there are concerns or questions about the accommodations. Instructors will be expected to assist with the provision of accommodations when reasonable and necessary. However, instructors are not required to compromise essential elements of the course or evaluation standards.
      
      Please note UNCP employees are under no obligation to provide accommodations unless students have fulfilled their obligations in the process.
   2. Students taking all classes online:
      ARC staff will contact students via email and attach an accommodations approval letter. An official copy will also be mailed to the residence on file. The approval letter will outline all approved accommodations. These will be available for the remainder of the students’ time at UNCP (students do not need to reapply for accommodations each semester).
      
      At the beginning of each semester (or just prior to the beginning), students will contact ARC staff in writing at arc@uncp.edu to request notification of accommodations to professors. Students will need to indicate each class and professor to be notified and outline which accommodations will be needed. For example:
      
      Please notify Professor X in class MAT 1070-800 of my accommodations for testing.
      Please notify Professor Y in class HST 3700-801 of my accommodation of relaxed attendance and testing accommodations.
7. Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting ARC staff if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely manner. ARC staff will work with UNCP personnel and students to resolve any disagreements regarding approved and implemented accommodations.
8. Students with disabilities who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of their disability may file a grievance with the ADA Coordinator in Oxendine Administrative Building, room 110.

Last Revised 10/28/2021

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Persons with Disabilities Protection Act, Chapter 168A

The State of North Carolina, its political subdivisions, and any other entity who contracts to provide public services including, but not limited to, education, health, social services, recreation or rehabilitation, will provide those services in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of persons with disabilities.

Each statutorily recognized entity shall be responsible for accommodating requests regarding accessibility to public services and programs. The following procedure shall be followed in determining the appropriate level of these services.

Policy & Procedure

1. Each covered entity shall post a conspicuous notice in public access areas containing the following information;
   1. It is a discriminatory practice for a State department, institution, or agency, or any political subdivision of the state or any person that contracts with the above for the delivery of public services including but not limited to education, health, social services, recreation, and rehabilitation, to refuse to provide reasonable aids and adaptations necessary for a known qualified person with a disability to use or benefit from existing public services operated by such entity; provided that the aids and adaptations do not impose an undue hardship on the entity involved. If you wish to request an accommodation or if you feel that you have been denied access to any public service, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), 910.521.6695. 
2. The ADA Coordinator is the designated Public Service Access (PSA) Coordinator.
3. Requests for public service accommodations should be forwarded to the PSA Coordinator.
4. The PSA Coordinator will determine if the requesting party is “a person with a disability” under the provisions of Chapter 168A.
5. The PSA Coordinator will contact the appropriate department and transmit the request.
6. Departmental staff approves the request or makes recommendations to management about the request and includes “undue hardship” concerns.
7. When the request is forwarded to management, it will be approved or rejected.
   1. If approved, the PSA Coordinator contacts requesting party with approval details.
   2. If refused, the PSA Coordinator will contact the party and provide details of appeal.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS

If a public entity or contractor decides to refuse to provide a requested accessibility accommodation, the following procedure shall apply;

1. The individual or entity making the decision shall provide a written explanation for the refusal.
2. The PSA Coordinator shall review the decision and consult with the NC Office on the ADA for technical assistance and/or comments. The PSA Coordinator will then transmit the decision to the consumer and will engage the consumer in meaningful dialogue about other possible methods of assuring accessibility.
3. If the consumer is dissatisfied with the results of the dialogue, they may be referred to the NC Office on the ADA. The NC Office on the ADA may attempt informal resolution of the complaint or may refer it to mediation or other enforcement or advocacy agencies for attempted resolution.
4. The PSA Coordinator will be responsible for keeping records of all requests, both approved and denied, and will document on-going efforts to provide equal accessibility in its delivery of services.
5. Consumers who are dissatisfied with the results of dispute resolution may, at any time, file their complaint with the US Department of Justice for possible investigation.

Last Revised 10/28/2021

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Pets and non-service animals are permitted under the rule of UNC Pembroke's POL 04.25.08 - Animals on Campus Policy.

Service Animals & Service Animals in Training are permitted under the rules of North Carolina General Statute 168, Persons With Disabilities: Rights.

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 Federal laws require UNC Pembroke to accommodate students with documented disabilities such as learning, physical, chronic health, psychological, visual, or hearing disabilities.

Academic Affairs requires ADA notification on all syllabi. Therefore, the following ADA access statement must appear on all course syllabi:

In post-secondary school settings, academic accommodations are not automatic. To receive accommodations, students must make a formal request and must supply documentation from a qualified professional to support that request. Students who believe they qualify must contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) in Oxendine Administrative Building, Room 110 or call 910.521.6695 to begin the accommodations process. All discussions remain confidential. Please note accommodations cannot be provided retroactively. More information for students about the services provided by ARC and the accommodation process may be found at: http://www.uncp.edu/arc.

Last Revised: 10/28/21

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An ADA Alternative Format Statement is important because it communicates that materials and information are available in accessible formats to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. This helps meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandate that public institutions provide information in formats usable by all individuals, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive, or other disabilities.

You would typically use this statement on course syllabi, event flyers, brochures, websites, and other public-facing materials. It lets students, employees, and the public know how to request materials in formats such as large print, braille, audio, captions, or digital text that works with screen readers. Including the statement fosters inclusivity and removes barriers to participation.

UNCP's Alternative format statement for use:

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the Accessibility Resource Center, Oxendine Administrative Building, Room 110, or call 910.521.6695.

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Purpose

UNC Pembroke relies on administrators, faculty and staff to provide equal access to all programs and activities for individuals with disabilities. The university is committed to adhering to the requirements of Sections 504 & 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2009, by providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who are deaf or have a hearing loss may require accommodations and/or modifications to course materials and/or other university communications.

Policy and Procedure

The most effective means of providing equal access to videos, movie clips, DVDs and films is through the use of products with open or closed captioning or subtitles. It is the responsibility of all units/departments, administrators, faculty and staff to utilize only media products with open or closed captioning or subtitles and/or provide an alternate format, such as a script.

1. New Video/DVD/Film Releases: It is the responsibility of the unit/department, administrators, faculty and staff to:
   1. Purchase and use captioned videos/DVDs/films for teaching purposes within their particular classroom and/or unit/department
   2. Substitute a video/DVD/film with captioning in the place of an older version without captioning
   3. Update all video/DVD/film stock to include only those with captioning
   4. Create subtitles/captions for any university-created video
2. Non-captioned Video/DVD/Film Releases: It is the responsibility of the unit/department, administrators, faculty and staff to:
   1. transition their media materials into captioned and accessible products for all
   2. Contact distributor to inquire about availability of captioned version of the film
   3. Consult with Livermore library to inquire about availability of captioned version of the film through inter-library loan
   4. Consult with Described and Captioned Media Program  to see if captioned version of the film is available for loan
   5. Seek an alternative video/DVD/film with closed-captioning
   6. Make a determination if the video/DVD/film is essential to a course outline or may be deleted from a syllabus or planned program
   7. If film is absolutely pertinent to the essential components of the curriculum or program and no other film can be substituted, present request to have film captioned to department chair/captioning committee.
3. The Captioning Committee will consist of representatives from ARC, Media Services and the department chair in addition to the Provost or selected representative. The role of the Captioning Committee will be to develop and update policies and procedures and to help determine if it is appropriate to provide captioning in situations where a captioned version of a film cannot be attained.
   1. If request is approved by Captioning Committee the department sponsoring the class or event will proceed with captioning via contracted vendor.

Alternative Accommodations for Non-Captioned Electronic Resources in Academic Courses

1. In the event the unit/department, administrators, faculty or staff determine a non-captioned media product is essential to academic course requirements, it is the responsibility of the unit/department, instructor, and/or faculty member to meet with the hard-of-hearing/deaf student to determine reasonable alternatives. A list of possible alternatives (not all inclusive) follows:
   1. If the individual interpreter for that particular class agrees to interpret the video/DVD/film, the department will be responsible for additional wages incurred by the interpreter for the extra preparation time it will take to review the media transcript, if available and/or preview the video. Interpreters must be informed one week in advance of the assignment.
   2. The role of ARC: It is the responsibility of ARC to:
      1. Determine reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services based upon documentation presented by the individual
      2. Provide the following services for eligible hard-of-hearing/deaf individuals:
         1. A qualified Sign Language Interpreter; and/or
         2. A trained captionist; and/or
         3. Assistance in locating a peer note-taker
      3. Inform professors and instructors when a hard-of- hearing/deaf student using an Interpreter or captionist will be present in their classroom. Notification generally will be provided within three working days of ARC receiving a finalized schedule; timely notification is dependent upon the voluntary disclosure by the student.
      4. Provide the university community with general informative materials regarding captioned videos, working with a hard-of-hearing/deaf individual & interpreter, interpreter responsibilities, captionist information, accessible media and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 & 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Outsourcing for Captioning Protocol

Upon receiving approval from the captioning committee to have films outsourced, each department must follow the procedure outlined below:

1. Each department may contact the vendors listed by phone, email or through their website to request a quote for captioning the media. You MUST have written permission from the vendor to request captioning a film. 
2. Keep in mind that quotes from agencies should be obtained and submitted to the Purchasing department at UNC Pembroke and follow the purchasing guidelines.

Last Revised 03/23/2020

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General Information

The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) strives to comply with the ADA and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by offering exam accommodations for students with disabilities such as extended time, a lowered distraction environment, alternative formats and assistive technology, depending on the limitations of the student’s disability. These accommodations are implemented to give students with disabilities equal access to testing by accommodating for certain limitations related to the student’s disability.

ARC staff work with students with disabilities and instructors to assure federal laws are followed when accommodating students with disabilities in the testing environment. Procedures for test accommodations are provided to students determined to be eligible through the Documentation Review Committee.

Testing outside the classroom or academic department is warranted only if circumstances prevent the instructor from making localized arrangements or if student needs assistive technology available at ARC. When testing accommodations or alternative testing is needed, students are responsible for discussing this issue with the professor to make the appropriate arrangements to have the exam administered. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule exams with ARC, preferably at least one week prior to the exam date. Failure to schedule an exam at least one week in advance may result in ARC staff being unable to provide the requested time and date for the exam. ARC will make every effort to accommodate students in a timely and reasonable manner.

Procedure

Standard testing procedures are implemented when testing at ARC.

1. Faculty and students will determine location of testing during the accommodations meeting while reviewing and signing the instructor-student contract.
2. If it is determined that tests will be taken in ARC, students must schedule tests and exams as soon as possible and preferably with at least a one-week notice, to be guaranteed both a proctor and a seat in the testing lab. ARC staff will endeavor to accommodate with less timely notification, but staff cannot guarantee availability of a proctor and/or seat in the testing lab.
3. Students and faculty must complete an ARC exam proctoring authorization form in order to notify ARC about their needs for alternative testing and accommodations. This form must be completed, signed and delivered to ARC by the student or faculty member before exams will be administered. The student’s name, exam date, time of the exam and the course name and number should be specified on the form. Professors also should indicate on the form any materials that the student can use during the exam and any directions that the student should be made aware of to take the exam.
4. Professors may arrange to have the exam sent to ARC by having the exam delivered to ARC, emailing the exam as an attachment, faxing the exam or having the student pick up the exam in a sealed and signed envelop prior to testing.
5. ARC will proctor the examination on the date and time indicated on the exam authorization form while providing the recommended accommodations needed by the student. With the exception of evening classes, students should take the test the SAME TIME the class regularly meets, unless the instructor provides permission for an alternate time. ARC is authorized to proctor the exam only during the time specified by the professor on the testing authorization form. If students cannot receive their extended time due to back-to-back classes, they will work with ARC and their faculty member to determine an alternate exam time. If students wish to change their exam time, they must request the change from their faculty member.
6. Instructors should specify on the exam authorization form how they will pick up the exam from ARC. Instructors may choose to pick up the exam themselves or designate an employee to pick up exams. Alternatively, instructors may request ARC staff to scan and email the exam back, fax it or have students return it to them directly in a signed and sealed envelope immediately after the exam is completed.
7. Students who arrive at ARC late for an exam may have this time deducted from their scheduled testing time, as in the case of classroom testing. If a student does not come in to take a scheduled exam at ARC, the examination will be sent back to the professor. Therefore, students must have the professor approve any change in time of administration of exams before ARC will make an appointment to reschedule proctoring the exam again.

Last Revised 03/23/2020

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UNC Pembroke follows the guidance of ADA, Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act when providing housing services to students with disabilities.
UNC Pembroke requires residency for some freshman students. Other students are highly encouraged to live on campus because living in a residence hall with other students in similar situations fosters camaraderie, kinship, and develops relationships that last throughout the remainder of students’ lives. Students develop interpersonal skills that they will use in the classroom during their academic career and continue to use as they progress through their professional career.

However, each student has his or her own personal needs and must consider if the living environment in the residence halls is in their best interest. Students who need to live in a single room for disability-related reasons, or need other housing accommodations, must be approved for these accommodations. 

Procedure

The process for obtaining approval for housing accommodations is as follows:

Students requesting ADA accommodations for housing must currently have a diagnosis of a disability and have submitted documentation that meets the UNC Pembroke Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) criteria, following ARC's Guidelines for Documentation. Contact ARC for the required Housing Accommodation Application.

Students who have not already been made eligible for accommodations through ARC must complete that process along with the Housing Accommodation Application. Please note students are also required to follow the process for Housing and Residence Life to secure housing. These are two separate processes. Use this link to access more information about securing housing: Housing and Residence Life

A Housing Accommodation Application form must be submitted to the staff of the ARC as soon as possible. The professional certification section should be filled out by a professional who is knowledgeable regarding the type of disability in question, who is qualified to make appropriate recommendations and who is knowledgeable of the student’s current condition. The professional cannot be related to the student applying for our services. ARC staff can provide guidance as to who is an appropriate professional to provide certification. The application form, disability documentation and reason for the request will remain confidential in the ARC files.

The UNCP Documentation Review Committee will review both the application for a housing accommodation and supporting documentation. An Ad Hoc member of this committee for determining housing accommodations will include the Director of Residence life or designee. A decision will be made to approve the housing accommodation request, deny it or defer it pending further documentation. This decision will be communicated by letter or email to the student and to Housing and Residence Life within the Division of Student Affairs.

Single room requests for the sole purpose of obtaining a reduced distraction study environment may not be approved. Even without a roommate, a communal living environment can be very distracting. Students needing lowered distraction spaces may wish to find a place outside the residence hall to study, such as the library, which is designed for these types of activities.

Valid reasons for a single room include but are not limited to space requirements of disability-related equipment, need for privacy during personal care, strategies needed to cope with the disability that would be bothersome to a roommate (such as bright lights) and a need to obtain extra rest to minimize disability-related symptoms.

Please note ARC staff do not designate specific residence halls for students with approve housing accommodations. Instead, they inform Housing and Residence Life of the approved housing accommodation(s).

Last Revised 08/19/2024

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Telecommunications Relay Service is a telephone service that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls. TRS is available nationwide for both local and long-distance calls and there is no cost to the TRS user. 

Dial 711 to access some forms of TRS anywhere in the United States. Not available are CTS, IP, CTS, VRS and IP Relay.

Different forms of TRS

• Text-to-Voice TTY-based TRS
• Voice Carry Over
• Speech-to-Speech Relay Service
• Shared Non-English Language Relay Service
• Captioned Telephone Service
• IP Captioned Telephone Service
• Internet Protocol Relay Service
• Video Relay Service (VRS)

For additional details or to receive this in another language, visit the FCC's TRS Consumer Guide.

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Relay NC is a tool used by deaf, hard-of-hearing, and some individuals with speech impairments to facilitate communication via telephone utilizing a voiced party and a teletypewriter (TTY), teleBraille, or Voice Carry Over.

To make a Relay call,

1. dial 711 from any phone (cell or business) or dial 1.800.735.0533 for TTY use or 1.800.735.0341 for voice callers.
2. An operator will answer and ask which number you are trying to dial.
3. The operator will dial the number and notify the second party that someone is attempting to contact them via Relay services.
4. The operator will notify you that the requested party is on the phone and you may begin speaking.
5. The operator will type everything you say to the second party on the other end.
6. At any time when you have finished making a statement you need to say the words “Go Ahead” this allows the operator to alert the other person on the other end that it is their time to begin responding.
7. The typed message will appear on the TTY of the second party.

When receiving a Relay call,

1. upon answering the phone, an operator will state that they are a Relay operator, and someone is attempting to call your department via Relay.
2. The operator will ask if you are familiar with Relay.
3. The operator will begin speaking exactly as the individual is keying, using the same protocol with GA (Go Ahead) and SK (Stop Keying).
4. Be patient as the phone call may take a little longer.

Relay NC Tips

• Always speak to the person directly, ignoring the operator. For example, avoid using statements like “tell her/him.” The operator will type everything you say.
• It is important to note that it is the operator who will set the pace of the conversation, they may ask you to slow down or speed up your speaking pace.
• Finally, remember that there will be a printed copy of whatever you said for the other party.

Last Revised 03/23/2020

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UNCP cultivates an international perspective, rooted in our service to and appreciation of our multi-ethnic regional society, which prepares citizens for engagement in global society. Students are encouraged to participate in activities that develop their intellectual curiosity and mold them into responsible stewards of the world. 

Study abroad is an excellent opportunity to improve intercultural understanding, to expand your worldview and to diversify your educational experience. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) and Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) staff encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity.

Students with disabilities considering study abroad may choose to disclose their disability early in the process of exploring a study abroad opportunity. ARC and the Study Abroad Coordinator will work together to assist students with disabilities in their decision to participate and to help ensure the best possible experience.

When students disclose any disability, the Study Abroad Coordinator will refer them to ARC staff to assist with possible accommodations. The role of ARC staff is to discuss with the students how the disability may impact them in a study abroad program. If the students will have accommodation needs and are not registered with ARC, they will be asked to go through the intake and eligibility process.

When students disclose their disability prior to program application, they will be encouraged to identify several programs that meet their academic interests and explore the availability of accommodations prior to selecting a program. ARC staff, the Study Abroad Coordinator and the overseas contact will collaborate to determine whether or not accommodations are possible, which accommodations are possible, and how they will be implemented.

Students will be asked to copy the Study Abroad Office and Accessibility Resource Center on any email communication with the overseas contact people and local disability organizations.

The liability waiver signed by all students will include language explaining that the Americans with Disabilities Act is not in force outside the United States, and that students are responsible to disclose any disabilities and plan for their accommodation needs.

Accommodations which would require a fundamental alteration of the program or would present an undue hardship will not be provided. All decisions on accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis. If students cannot perform the essential requirements of a program, with or without accommodations, then they are not qualified to participate. If accommodations are needed and not available at a given site, then the student may not be qualified to participate in that particular program. If there is something that would pose a direct threat to students' physical health or safety, they may not be qualified to participate in the program.

If additional accommodation needs arise while students are abroad, students will discuss these needs with ARC and the overseas contact to determine whether the additional accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

If students do not disclose disability-related needs until abroad, the site abroad, Study Abroad Coordinator, and ARC staff will need to determine whether accommodations are possible. It may not be feasible to act on accommodation requests made too close to the date of departure or once on site.

Upon the student's return, the Study Abroad Coordinator and ARC staff will gather disability access and accommodation information from the student and the site abroad about the student's experiences and identify any suggestions that should be conveyed to future students. It is suggested that this be accomplished via an After-Action Report compiled by ARC staff, the Study Abroad Coordinator, the overseas contact person and the student studying abroad.

Please note: all processes and procedures for study abroad and the advising of all students participating in study abroad programs are the responsibility of the Study Abroad Coordinator. Additionally, the Study Abroad Office recommends that all students apply for study abroad at least six months prior to any overseas excursion and that students with disabilities apply and contact ARC at least six months in advance to navigate accommodations.

For guidance and tips for travelers having disabilities contact Mobility International USA

Last Revised 03/23/2020

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Attendance is an essential component of post-secondary education. As such, students are expected to comply with class attendance policies. It is the responsibility of each instructor to notify classes at the outset of each course of the attendance requirements to which each student must adhere. 

The university recognizes that there may be times when a student cannot attend class because of disability-related reasons. 

The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) may recommend a reasonable relaxation of attendance for students determined to be eligible for such services by the Documentation Review Committee (DRC). Once recommended, instructors must complete the Reasonable Attendance Adjustment Plan and return to ARC. ARC staff will review and send an official determination via email to the student and each professor outlining the accommodation for each specific course.

 

Questions asked in the form include, but are not limited to: 

1. Is there classroom interaction between the instructor and students and among the students themselves designed to meet learning outcomes that cannot be completed outside of the classroom environment?
2. Do student contributions in class constitute a significant component of the learning process?
3. Does the fundamental nature of the course rely upon student participation as an essential method for learning?
4. To what degree does a student’s failure to attend class constitute a significant loss to the educational experience and attainment of learning outcomes of other students in the class?

If an instructor wishes to be exempt from a reasonable relaxed attendance accommodation, an email or letter must be sent to ARC service provider to take back to the DRC for deliberation. The letter must include why/how the accommodation modifies the essential components of the course and should include any recommendations for alternative accommodations.

Please note: a relaxation of attendance policy does not mean a relaxation of course requirements. Students are required to fulfill all course requirements and evaluation standards as specified in the course syllabus.

Students who are approved for this accommodation are expected to meet with their ARC service provider to discuss the determination of reasonable relaxed attendance accommodations for individual classes and meet with instructors to discuss approved attendance adjustments for that class. For emergencies or unexpected absences, contact should be made with the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of any make-up work and/or to verify the reason for the absence.

Instructors are encouraged to contact ARC if it is believed that disability-related absences have become excessive and beyond the approved reasonable relaxed attendance accommodation determination.

Accommodations are not retroactive. As with all accommodations, a relaxation of attendance determination is recommended on an individual, case-by-case basis. The implementation of this accommodation is determined by the course instructor and ARC service provider.

If a student is out of class for an extended period of time due to reasons beyond the student’s control, it is the responsibility of the student to provide any substantiating documentation (when required) to ARC. An ARC staff member will work with instructors in determining the reasonableness of extended absences accommodations on a case-by-case, class-by-class basis. Notification of this determination will be provided to the student by the ARC service provider.

Last Revised 03/23/2020

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Emergency Preparation

UNCP strives to maintain a safe campus for all persons, but it is the responsibility of everyone to create and practice emergency evacuation plans.

• Be aware of at least TWO exits and evacuation routes for each building you are in and look for illuminated exit signs.
• Remember to use the stairs and not elevator during an emergency.
• Encourage others to leave with you, but do not stay if they refuse to leave.
• Know where the designated emergency assembly areas are for the building and go there immediately upon exiting the building. If you do not know where the assembly area is, move at least 100 paces away from the building.

Persons with Disabilities 

Persons with disabilities should meet with a member of the ARC staff if they need assistance with creating a personal evacuation plan and to identify themselves as a person with a disability who may need assistance in the event of an emergency.

Each semester ARC staff will send a list of students who may need assistance during an emergency to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Safety and Emergency Operations. The list will include the students’ names, Banner ID’s, residence hall (if pertinent), type of disability and type of assistance that will be needed.

In the event of a fire:

• When possible, exit the building immediately. Do not assume the alarm is a drill. 
• Persons with mobility impairments will be evacuated by the stairwell in each building and will be assisted with a stair evacuation chair by trained personnel (campus police and/or local emergency personnel).
• A staff person on each floor will check for disabled persons and will assist them with getting to a safe place, typically the building stairwell. If you can safely assist, please do so, but do not put yourself in danger.
• The staff person or volunteer (you) will call 911 to report the location of the person needing help.
• Wait for emergency personnel to evacuate the disabled person from the building. 

Persons with Mobility Impairments

• Wheelchairs are not designed to be lifted and carried. Any lifting may be dangerous for the individual using the chair, the lifter and/or the chair itself.
• In a life-threatening event it may be necessary to lift and carry the person and the chair but typically the person is assisted with use of a specially-designed emergency stair chair.
• Trained personnel include UNCP campus police and local emergency personnel. Do not attempt to use a stair chair if you are not trained, unless the situation is imminently life threatening.

Persons with Visual Impairments

• Gain the person's attention by speaking and/or by lightly tapping on their arm or shoulder.
• Offer your elbow or shoulder to guide the person outside or to a safe place.
• As you walk, describe any obstacles in your path. 

Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• To gain the person’s attention, flick the light switch up and down and/or by lightly tapping on their arm or shoulder.
• Either gesture the emergency or write a short note indicating the emergency, such as “fire, leave by side door now.”

Persons with Invisible Disabilities

In emergency situations persons with invisible disabilities may experience a flare-up in their disability which may cause various reactions such as freezing, disorientation, or panic.

• Attempt to gain their attention by speaking to them and/or by lightly tapping on their arm or shoulder.
• Indicate the emergency and direct them to the nearest exit unless it is blocked.
• Ask if they need any assistance as you exit the building. 
• If they will not exit, offer to assist them to the stairwell and call 911 to let emergency personnel know the location of those needing assistance. 

Last Revised 03/23/2020

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At UNC Pembroke, we want every student to feel supported and treated fairly. If you have been denied a reasonable accommodation or feel you faced discrimination because of a disability, university policy 11.35.01 explains what happens next.

You’ll find simple steps to:

1. Raise your concern formally,
2. Explain your situation clearly,
3. Have it reviewed carefully,
4. Get a decision in a fair way.

This process is overseen by our ADA/504 Coordinator in the Accessibility Resource Center. It follows both federal law and university rules to ensure your rights are protected. 

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UNC Pembroke works hard to make our website accessible for everyone. This policy explains our promise to follow laws like the ADA and Section 504 and use standards (like WCAG and Section 508) when creating and updating web pages.

Why it matters:

• Everyone needs equal access to important online info—courses, services, and campus news.
• Accessibility standards help ensure the site works with tools like screen readers.

What you’ll find on in university policy 04.30.01

• Who the policy applies to (official university web pages).
• Accessibility goals and web standards we follow.
• How we check for issues and fix them.
• What happens if a page doesn't meet accessibility requirements.

This policy guides everyone — from web developers to campus staff — to keep our digital spaces inclusive and fair.

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