Syllabus Statement
Provide a statement in your syllabus requesting that students inform you of any specific need for accommodation to ensure that those needs are met in a timely manner. If possible, this statement should be read aloud to the class to ensure that those students with print disabilities can access the information. This approach demonstrates to students that you are concerned about meeting the needs of all of the students you teach. It further affords students the opportunity to discuss their accommodation needs with you or answer questions about how best to implement the accommodations as early as possible in the semester. Accommodations should be implemented after you have:
- received notification via a letter in your Accommodate portal.
- participated in a student-initiated discussion of their accommodations and how accommodations will be implemented in your course.
- signed the accommodation memo via the Accommodate portal. Instructions for signing memos can be found in SAR's how-to video library.
If you have questions or concerns about academic accessibility or about the syllabus statement, please contact SAR using the email or phone number at the bottom of this site.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN YOUR COURSE SYLLABUS
Grand Valley State University strives to provide an inclusive environment across campus that is accessible to all individuals with a diverse range of abilities. As your instructor, it is my objective to facilitate opportunities within all class activities and programs because your success is important to me. If you are encountering difficulties that are interrupting your learning experience please feel free to make those known to me as soon as possible, as early planning is essential. If you feel that you need accommodations in this course, you must present a memo to me from Student Accessibility Resources, indicating the existence of a disability and the approved accommodations. You should schedule a meeting with me during office hours to discuss your accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive. If you have not already done so, please contact the Student Accessibility Resources office (215 CON) by calling (616) 331-2490 or by email. Please note that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have received a copy of the Accessibility Resources issued memo, and we have discussed your accommodations. Furthermore, if you have a disability and think you will need assistance evacuating this classroom and/or building in an emergency, please make me aware so that the university and I can develop a plan to assist you. All discussions will remain confidential.
Revised 6/2/2026