This is the procedure for students to appeal the determinations made by the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) regarding necessary and reasonable accommodations due to disability.
Informal Reconsideration of the Initial Determination
Step 1
Student Requests Informal Reconsideration: A student who wishes to contest the decision of the Office of Student Accessibility Services must submit a written request for informal reconsideration to Disabilities@widener.edu within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the accommodation determination. The request must articulate the grounds upon which the student believes the determination should be modified.
Step 2
Review: The Office of Student Accessibility Services will undertake a review of all information gathered during the interactive accommodation process. A determination will be issued to the student within fifteen (15) business days following the receipt of the request for reconsideration. The review will be completed by another staff member of SAS who did not issue the contested accommodation decision.
Formal Appeal Process
Please Note: A formal appeal cannot be initiated without completing the informal reconsideration described above.
Step 1
Formal Appeal Process: Should the student find the outcome of the informal reconsideration unsatisfactory, a formal appeal may be initiated. Academic accommodation appeals are to be directed to the Office of the Provost at Provoff@widener.edu, while housing accommodation appeals should be addressed to the Dean of Students at Deanofstudents@widener.edu. The appeal should identify the specific determination under appeal and provide an explanation detailing the necessity and reasonableness of the requested accommodation.
Step 2
Final Determination: The Provost or their designee, or the Dean of Students or their designee, will conduct a review of the initial determination and the student’s formal appeal. The final determination will be conveyed to the student electronically, or otherwise, within fifteen (15) business days of the appeal submission and is not subject to further appeal. Students also have the option to revise and renew the original accommodation request process by submitting additional supporting documentation from their medical provider directly to the Office of Student Accessibility Services. This step can be taken at any time and does not require an appeal. Should the student decide to revise and renew the original accommodation request process, the appeal procedure will be terminated. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation: Information procured during the accommodation request process may be disclosed to relevant parties solely for the purpose of the appeal procedure. Widener University prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who lodge a complaint or partake in the grievance procedure.
