Higher Ed Counsel & Strategic Solutions

Student accommodation requests continue to evolve, and institutions are seeing a wider range of issues than in prior years. While many requests still involve familiar academic adjustments, colleges and universities are increasingly asked to evaluate accommodations connected to housing, attendance, technology (including AI), temporary health impacts, and mental health. Summer is an important time to assess whether institutional processes are prepared to address these requests in a way that is timely, individualized, and legally sound.

Universities serve as both learning environments and workplaces, placing them at the intersection of student rights and employee protections. This dual role brings unique obligations when it comes to providing disability accommodations. While both students and faculty are entitled to reasonable accommodations under the law, the processes, points of contact, and implementation differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is essential for compliance, equity, and building a truly inclusive campus culture.