Student Access and Accommodation Policy

Gonzaga University seeks to provide equal access for persons with disabilities to include students, employees and the public, to all educational programs, employment, activities, events, and services which it operates, consistent with applicable federal and state laws and Gonzaga policies.

This policy is based on the Americans with Disabilities Act and amendments, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (RCW Ch. 49.60 as Related to Disabilities), and Gonzaga’s mission.

Reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and public access will be provided to persons with disabilities to ensure they are provided an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from any Gonzaga program, activity, event, or service.

Gonzaga is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students and Gonzaga employees at study abroad venues to the extent feasible given other countries’ accessibility standards.

Gonzaga provides reasonable accommodations to persons with temporary disabilities.

This policy applies to all students with disabilities. Gonzaga's goals are to provide access and accommodations for equivalent academic and non-academic experiences and learning opportunities for students and student workers with disabilities, while maintaining academic integrity and standards. For access and accommodations for employees and the general public, please reference the Access and Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities Policy in the Gonzaga University Policies and Procedures Manual.

Institutional Authority Assigned

The Center for Student Academic Success handles accommodations for students. The Office of Disability Access staff in the Center for Student Academic Success are formally designated to:

  1. Evaluate and determine a disability qualifies for an accommodation.
  2. Through the interactive process, determine appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and adaptive/assistive technology for students, and work-study students with disabilities.
  3. Work with all parties toward implementing appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids, physical facility alterations, adaptive/assistive technology.
  4. Consult with appropriate entities throughout the institution to develop Gonzaga-wide access and accommodation procedures.
  5. Consult with Gonzaga officials during initial development stage for any new or upgraded program, activity, event or service, including technology and facilities, so that disability access is integrated proactively.
  6. Create training and informational initiatives about disability access and inclusion for students and employees.
  7. Manage initial intervention stage of access and accommodation issues before formal complaints are filed.
  8. Work with the ADA/504 Coordinator on new or revised policies and procedures, educational efforts, and complaint processes.
  9. Work with Plant and Construction Services and sponsors to assist with access for Gonzaga facilities, programs, activities, events, and services.

The Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion functions as Gonzaga’s ADA/504 Coordinator and is formally designated to:

  1. Oversee Gonzaga-wide consistency with and adherence to these policies and procedures, and participate in revising policies and procedures as needed to remain current with the law.
  2. Consult with General Counsel and Gonzaga administration on disability access and accommodation issues.
  3. Manage and investigate access and accommodation issues when the individual files a complaint because they believe they are the victim of harassment or discrimination.
  4. Respond to inquiries from the U.S. Office of Civil Rights, Human Rights Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other external agencies.
  5. Assist in educating students and employees about disability access and accommodation.

Disability Information

The appropriate office will maintain a confidential file regarding the disability of each person who provides documentation of disability to Gonzaga. The file contains all pertinent information and medical records related to accommodation, academic adjustment, or other services.

Complaint Resolution Process

Gonzaga University has adopted these internal procedures to provide prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints alleging any violation of the University’s policy on access and accommodation for all educational programs, activities, events, services, and student employment. Normally the best interests of the complainant and the University are served if complaints are resolved as soon as possible at the lowest possible level. Students are asked to work with staff in the Disability Access office in the Center for Student Academic Success to attempt to resolve issues early. Students with disabilities are also protected from harassment and discrimination under the University-wide Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Student complaints regarding disability access and accommodation, or harassment and discrimination, can be received by the TIX / EO Investigator in Student Development or the Equity and Inclusion Office in Human Resources and handled through the University-wide Harassment and Discrimination Complaint Policy.

Any student who believes his or her complaint has not been handled appropriately may use the use the Grievance Policy as described in the Gonzaga University Policy and Procedures Manual, beginning with Step 2.

Outside Remedies

Complainants are not required to use this grievance procedure before pursuing other remedies through state and federal agencies. These agencies are:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
1425 New York Avenue, Room 5041
Washington, D.C. 20005
TDD (800) 514-0383 (202) 514-4224

Washington State Human Rights Commission
905 West Riverside, Suite 416
Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 456-4473
TDD (206) 220-7907
(206) 220-7880

Student Access & Accommodations Policy:

View the policy.