Accessibility Support - Accessibility Support - Christopher Newport University

Accessibility Support

Christopher Newport University provides reasonable accommodations to make education accessible to students with qualified disabilities.

Examples of accommodations for students may include, among others:

  • Extra time on tests
  • Testing in a distraction-reduced environment
  • Priority seating

In order to determine needs and provide the best services possible, you must submit documentation concerning your disability. This documentation must normally be no more than three years old, but this can vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Such documentation must be provided from a qualified professional source. It should include the nature of the disability and suggestions for possible accommodations to enhance student access in the programs and activities of the university.

Sufficient documentation may include:

  • Clearly stated that there is a diagnosed disability
  • Description of functional limitations resulting from disability
  • Complete educational, developmental and medical history relevant to disability for which accommodations are being requested
  • Tests (instruments) used with scores/subset scores
  • The accommodation(s) requested and adequate support for each request

504 plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and doctor’s notes are not sufficient. Evaluations that created the 504 plan or IEP may be provided if done within the last three years.

Submit all documentation to Student Affairs in the David Student Union 3127, by email at dosa@cnu.edu or fax (757) 594–8439.

While we do not provide diagnostic testing for students, we can refer students to local evaluation professionals. Students may also seek these tests through qualified school staff professionals and professionals in their hometown. Testing and evaluations take time so please plan accordingly.

Evaluation information concerning a student’s disability is private. Such information will be provided to instructional or staff members only when they have a legitimate need to know.

Accessibility Support FAQ

We encourage students to begin this process as soon as possible, as testing can take some time. We strongly encourage students seeking accommodations for the first time to submit their documentation at least two weeks prior to accessing the accommodation. Incoming students should submit their documentation no later than a month prior to their first semester (July for fall semester and December for spring semester).

You can submit documentation for review but it may need to be updated depending on the circumstances of each case.

Once you have submitted the appropriate documentation, we will review and grant reasonable accommodations. You will be notified via your CNU email to pick up your accommodation letter and disability packet.

We will give you an accommodation letter that you can give to your professors to sign. The letter does not disclose your disability, but lists what accommodations you can receive.

Testing must be from within the last three years. Once your disability is on file and you are receiving accommodations, you no longer need updated tests, unless you choose. Disability records are kept in Student Affairs.

We will send an email to your CNU email account at the end of each semester with information about renewing your accommodation(s).

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