The choice whether to self-identify as a student with a disability and/or use accommodations are personal decisions. It is the responsibility of the student to take the initiative to engage with this Office and then remain actively involved if the student needs accommodations. To decide whether to use accommodations, students are encouraged to contact the Director of Student Care and Support to discuss how their disability impacts them and how equal access can then be provided. The decision whether to use accommodations remains with the student.

Students seeking accommodations should be aware that it is their responsibility to:

1. Talk or email with the Director of Student Care and Support as soon as you know you will be attending Cooper Union or, if you are a current student, immediately after it has been determined that you have a disability or need accommodations.
2. Provide third party documentation as requested.
3. Self-advocate. Like all Cooper Union students, students with disabilities are expected to take responsibility for their own education. A component of this expectation is the continuing process of learning how to make decisions and advocate for oneself, particularly regarding one’s disability and related accommodations. Although support and information are provided by Student Affairs staff as well as other faculty and staff, the student is expected to obtain and use information and appropriate resources, and to follow policies and procedures in a timely manner.
4. For housing accommodations, discuss needs with the Director of Student Care and Support well in advance of the deadlines of the residence life office. If needs are presented after the deadlines, every reasonable effort will be made to provide the warranted accommodations but limited advance notice may compromise the outcome.
5. Set up and attend a meeting with the Director of Student Care and Support to discuss accommodations, policies, and procedures as well as the philosophy of the Office and College.
6. Give adequate advance notice. Certain accommodations take time to arrange.
7. Obtain and deliver Accommodation Verification Letters to faculty at the beginning of each semester or as soon as possible after the letters are acquired. As noted, students have the right not to utilize their accommodations.
8. Discuss the Accommodation Verification Letter, in person, with each faculty member as soon as possible at the beginning of each semester or as soon as the letters are acquired.
9. Confirm the adequacy of accommodations as soon as possible and, after discussing with the appropriate faculty member, notify the Director of Student Care and Support when satisfactory conditions are not present.
10. Obtain syllabi, course materials, or other information when requested by the Office staff to facilitate accommodations.
11. Adhere to deadlines established by College offices and faculty members.