University of Dayton Policies
The information below is from various sources at the University of Dayton. Not all of this information is limited to students with disabilities, but it may be related to disability issues.
Learn more about Class Attendance Policy >>
Learn more about Final Examination Policy >>
Learn more about Medical Withdrawal >>
Learn more about Course Substitution >>
Learn more about Housing/Residence Life >>
Learn more about Parking Services >>
Learn more about Standards of Behavior >>
Learn more about Emergencies and Evacuation Process >>
Class Attendance Policy
Class attendance and the resolution of absence is a matter primarily discussed and agreed upon by a student and individual faculty members. It is the responsibility of each student to attend classes. In any event, it is the prerogative of each faculty member to accept or not accept a reason for absence and to subsequently determine whether or not to excuse a student from class.
A student missing a class/series of classes over a limited period of time is responsible to contact individual instructors to explain absences and to make-up class work. Written notification of short-term absences will not be sent by the Office of Student Learning Services to students' instructors.
When necessary, the implication of a prolonged absence resulting from emergencies, death, disability related issue, and serious illness will be handled on a case by case basis directly by the appropriate academic Dean's office, Office of Student Learning Services and any other campus office that may be involved for consultation. See information below regarding medical withdraw for additional options associated with prolonged absences.
Learn more about UD' Class Attendance Policy (follow link on right to Class Attendance)>>
Final Examination Policy
When a student with a disability has two or more final examinations scheduled for the same day, faculty is encouraged to accommodate the individual student on an alternative day. Students are encouraged to speak with their professors directly to discuss final examination options if they have more than two exams scheduled on the same date.
Learn more about the Final Examination Policy >>
Medical Withdrawal
When necessary, the implication of a prolonged absence resulting from emergencies, death, serious illness, or disability related issue will be handled on a case by case basis by the appropriate Academic Dean's office in consultation with Office of Learning Resources and any other campus office that may be involved.
Course Substitution (Math, Foreign Language)
Reasonable accommodations ensure complete access to, and full participation in, the educational process for students with disabilities. They are not intended to require faculty to compromise academic standards; rather, they make it possible for students to truly learn the material presented to them, and for instructors to fairly evaluate the student's understanding of the material, without interference from their disability. Faculty is encouraged to consider modifying, rather than waiving, course or degree requirements, if appropriate.
Essential components of each academic discipline are determined by the individual program. Essential components cannot be removed; however, academic accommodations may allow the student to demonstrate these components. Academic requirements that are essential to that program are not considered discriminatory. Students with disabilities are expected to meet all requirements of the course to receive credit. If a student makes a request for a course substitution, this will be reviewed by the Office of Student Learning Services in conjunction with the appropriate academic representative from the department, school or college. Decisions are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about Non-Disability Course Waiver Policy >>
Contact our office to learn more about Disability Course Substitution Process >>
Housing/Residence Life
The learning environment and residential living are central to the University of Dayton experience. An internal team, including a representative from Office of Student Learning Services (SLS), Residence Life, a medical doctor, and other consultants, as necessary, carefully evaluates requests for accommodations in housing based on medical or disability related need.
A request for special housing accommodation, including the need for attendant care, must be accompanied by formal documentation from a physician, mental health professional, or other appropriate evaluator licensed in a field relevant to the condition. All other special housing accommodation requests and appropriate disability verification should be submitted directly to SLS. Documentation must be received prior to the published deadlines to be considered by Residence Life and/or SLS. Submitted documentation must comply with all of the requirements found on the Residence Life and/or SLS webpage. Requests that are not accompanied by complete documentation cannot be processed. Documentation received after the posted deadlines will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but accommodations cannot be guaranteed.
All UD first- and second-year housing facilities are air-conditioned. Some junior and senior housing facilities are not air conditioned. Junior and Senior students are advised to select a Junior or Senior facility that is air conditioned such as Lawnview and Garden Apartments if air conditioning is needed based on a medical or disability issue. If a student selects housing that does not have air conditioning the student can choose to: (1) Purchase a window air conditioning unit from Residential Properties and have Residential Properties staff install for a fee (purchased unit is student's to take when no longer assigned to residence), or (2) Purchase and install their own window air conditioning unit or have Residential Properties staff install window unit for a fee.
Learn more about Residence Life and Housing Accommodations >>
Parking Services
Due to the very limited parking available on campus, Parking Services has developed a process associated with disability permits for faculty, staff, commuters and residents with disabilities. Individuals in need of accessible parking must present a copy of their State Disability Identification Placard and their BMV Documentation. Those with a temporary disability may present a doctor's statement for consideration of a temporary permit. All parking issues are addressed through Parking Services. Vehicles must display a University disability permit along with the state placard.
Resident students who may require transportation may use the escort service provided by Public Safety.
Learn more about Parking Services >>
Learn more about Escort Services >>
Standards of Behavior
The Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct are informed by the Catholic and Marianist Philosophy of Community Living, the University Mission Statement as well as federal, state and local laws. The Standards of Behavior are applicable to all students and student organizations regardless of where the violation occurs. The Code of Conduct details specific policies that a student or student organization may be found in violation of as a part of the documented Standard of Behavior. All students, staff, faculty and/or community members are encouraged to report violations of these standards and codes to the Office of Community Standards and Civility. All violations are cumulative for the duration of the student's attendance at the University of Dayton.
Learn more about the Office of Community Standards and Civility's Standards of Behavior >>
Learn more about the University Student Handbook >>
Emergencies and Evacuation Process
As with all students, it is important that you take responsibility for your own safety. In order to ensure your safety, you should develop an emergency plan or a strategy in advance.
Responding to an emergency depends on the following:
- Type of emergency
- Your specific disability
- Your current location
- Where you work or live on campus.
Important* For any emergency, the first step is to contact Public Safety at 937-229-2121, Campus Phone 92121 or 911. When reporting the emergency, it is important to indicate your location, specific needs, and type of emergency. With respect to evacuation, you may need to provide additional information (e.g., you use a wheelchair, a respirator, or have breathing, stamina or health related impairments).
Students should also be familiar with the University of Dayton Emergency Response Procedures Guide. Questions can be directed to the Department of Public Safety 937-229-2121, or Campus Phone 92121.
Visit University of Dayton Emergency Response Procedures Guide >>
Students are encouraged to program key phone numbers such as Public Safety into their cell phone.
Students with visual impairments
An ideal time to develop your emergency plan is at the start of each term as you locate your classrooms and, if applicable, work with a mobility and orientation specialist.
- Identify the emergency exit(s) closest to your classroom, residence hall, or workspace.
- Determine if you will need assistance in the event of emergency. If you will require assistance, discuss your specific needs with your instructor, resident advisor, or supervisor.
Students with Seizure Disorders
If you have a seizure disorder and have seizures often, it is wise to alert your instructor to your condition and how you wish for them to respond. Let them know what to expect if you were to have a seizure during class and under what circumstances it would be necessary to call for an ambulance. Faculty are required to follow University Policy regarding emergency situations; however, insight from the student as to what their needs are and what to expect can be invaluable during an emergency.
Students with Hearing Disabilities
If you have a hearing disability and live in university housing, please follow Residence Life Guidelines to communicate your disability in order to ensure necessary safety precautions are addressed. If you have additional safety needs associated with a hearing disability, please contact the Office of Student Learning Services for consultation on potential steps to take.
Students with Mobility Impairments
Mobility impairments may include any condition that limits the person's functional ability to ambulate, climb, descend, sit or rise or to perform any related function.
Elevators provide access to classrooms throughout campus for students with mobility impairments. However, during an emergency such as a fire or tornado, elevators can be very dangerous and often cease working. Furthermore, elevators have been known to break down and at times leave people with mobility impairments stranded on upper floors. As a result, it is unlikely that you will be able to evacuate without the assistance of others. The evacuation of a person with mobility impairments is best left to emergency personnel with extensive training in evacuation procedures and the proper equipment. Asking untrained individuals to assist in evacuation could lead to injury to yourself and/or the person assisting you.
The following steps can help to ensure your safety in an emergency:
- Make a Plan
- For every building in which you have class, work, or live on campus, locate an area of rescue/refuge, which could include a stairway or an adjacent classroom/room with a fire rated door and walls, where you will await rescue during a fire.
- A stairway must be large enough for you to sit without obstructing the flow of traffic as people exit the building via the stairway. Obstructing the flow of traffic could place you and others in danger.
- If using a stairway for an area of rescue/refuge is not feasible, locate a room that is in close proximity to the stairway that has smoke and fire rated protection from the doors and walls. Also note any difficulty you might have opening the door and plan for assistance.
- In case of a tornado, you should locate an interior room or hallway without windows to wait for assistance.
- Once you have reached an area of rescue/refuge during the emergency situation, you should immediately contact Public Safety at 937-229-2121, Campus Phone 92121 or 911 and inform them of your location and evacuation needs.