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Disability Services
TIn order to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), the mission of the Disability Services Office (DSO) is to provide access to Centenary University’s facilities and programs.
The Disability Services Office works closely with eligible students to arrange for reasonable academic and housing accommodations, which will afford each student the opportunity to participate fully in Centenary University’s services, programs, and activities. Staff members assist students with arranging access to classrooms, developing learning strategies, and advisement with disabilities issues.
Access is provided through a range of reasonable accommodations and support services to identified students that experience disabilities. The office also strives to serve as a liaison and resource to the members of the Centenary University community regarding disability issues.
Based on nationally regarded best practices, the Disability Services Office seeks to foster independence and to develop the self-advocacy of students with disabilities.
Applying for Accommodations
Students requesting accommodations must use the Application for Accommodations form (academic) or the Application for Housing Accommodations and Services form (housing). In all cases, the application should be accompanied by documentation which outlines the disability for which accommodations are requested. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the applications by mail, please call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2152.
- Academic Accommodations
For inquiries regarding the process and to request the Application for Accommodations & Services email dso@centenaryuniversity.edu or access the Application for Accommodations at the bottom of this page. We encourage you to send the completed application and documentation via email to dso@centenaryuniversity.edu but it can be mailed or faxed if you prefer (please alert us if you are sending via these options). - Housing Accommodations
Please submit inquiries regarding the process, requests for the Application for Housing Accommodations & Services and any completed paperwork and documentation to dso@centenaryuniversity.edu. - Students applying for housing accommodations should request an application from the Disability Services Office based on the accommodation they are requesting. For incoming students, this application, along with supporting documentation, is due by June 30th. For current students, deadlines are based on the Housing Selection dates. A student can apply at any time, but availability becomes limited after deadlines.
Documentation should be:
- Recent, in order to assess the current impact on academic functioning. In most cases, this means testing should have been conducted within the past three years.
- Comprehensive, containing a diagnostic statement identifying the disability and establishing clear evidence of a significant impact on academic function.
- Relevant to requested accommodations.
- Prepared by a medical or other licensed and credentialed professional whose background should be matched with the disabling condition.
Because the provision of all reasonable accommodations and special services is based upon assessment of the current impact of the student’s disabilities on academic performance, it is in the student’s best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation. For specific questions regarding documentation, contact the Disability Services Office for documentation guidelines.
Please submit all documentation and applications electronically to dso@centenaryuniversity.edu for a timely review.
Book a Session with ACE
Accommodation Requests and Support Sessions
STEP Ahead and Project ABLE Program
The Disability Services Office also offers two intensive support programs specifically designed to support students with learning differences who would benefit from academic coaching:
- Project ABLE
- STEP Ahead
The goals of the Project ABLE and STEP Ahead programs are to provide a bridge between the structured and sometimes modified secondary-school setting to the predominantly self-directed university environment. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the skills needed to become an effective, contributing member of the university community. These services do not include emotional or behavioral intervention plans for in class or out of class settings. Centenary students must be otherwise qualified to attend the University and abide by the conduct policies of the institution.
Students applying for full-time admission can choose to apply for Project ABLE and STEP Ahead at any time during the application process. A decision of admission is determined independently of application to Project ABLE and/or STEP Ahead.
Please submit inquiries and requests for the Application for Intensive Support to dso@centenaryuniversity.edu or access the application and information at the bottom of this page.
Review Process for Project ABLE and STEP Ahead
Once all documents have been received, the Disability Services Office will review the information submitted. Applicants may be contacted to clarify information on documents. The student may also be asked to visit campus for an interview. Upon completion of the review, a decision will be emailed to the student on their University email address with a request to meet with a representative from the Disability Services Office to further discuss accommodations and the policies and procedures for utilizing these accommodations.
Student Success Specialist Appointments
Students with standing appointments will continue to meet with their Student Success Specialist. If you do not have your meetings set up, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Utilizing Academic Accommodations
If you have not picked up accommodation letters for this semester, you can still receive them by reaching out to dso@centenaryuniversity.edu.
Testing Accommodations
If you would like to use your testing accommodations, please schedule an appointment to take your exam in our office by visiting Setmore. Detailed instructions on how to navigate the Setmore website can be found on the bottom of the page in the document title Setmore Exam Scheduling Steps. Professors are able to grant extended time accommodations through Moodle if the exam is online. Please contact your Professor if you plan to use your testing accommodations for an online exam. Email dso@centenaryuniversity.edu with any questions or to assist you in initiating the conversation with your faculty member.
Staff Information
For more information about our staff, please visit Accessibility & Accommodation Services.
Academic Success and ACE Resources
The Disability Services Office is housed under the Academic Career and Experience Services office.
The team offers tutoring, academic coaching, workshops, and other academic resources.
Disability Services
For more in depth information on our policies and procedures, you can view the DSO Handbook here.
Got Questions?
We are here to help you every step of the way!
Feel free to reach out to us directly any time.