EIU Office of Accessibility and Accommodations

Graduate Information

Prospective and Current Graduate Students

Frequently Asked Questions

I have applied to EIU and been accepted. What do I need to do to ensure that I receive accommodations for my classes?

What is the process for receiving my accommodation letter?

Where can I find information on the ACT?

ETS requires certification for documentation when applying for accommodations on the GRE and TOEFL. Will the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations complete this portion of the application?

What do I do if I feel I have not been provided my approved accommodations or services?

I have applied to EIU and been accepted. What do I need to do to ensure that I receive accommodations for my classes?

It is important that you contact the Accessibility and Accommodations as soon as possible. The office uses specific criteria for determining eligibility for accommodations. Click here to learn more about eligibility criteria.

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What is the process for receiving my accommodation letter?

• Current students must log in to the A&A portal each semester to send a letter to each of their instructors electronically either before or during the first week of classes.
• Teachers must be given a minimum of one week to prepare for testing accommodations when possible.
• Students are strongly encouraged to meet with instructors during office hours to discuss accommodations; if they have a time conflict, they should make an appointment to meet with the instructor at a different time. 
• Students should complete the chart entitled “Accommodation Arrangements by Class" and keep it for their records. Click here to view this chart in Microsoft Word.
• If a student has followed the above steps and is not being accommodated, they need to contact A&A right away.
• If students are experiencing difficulty and would like to have additional accommodations considered, they should contact A&A.
• Students should let A&A know if they have issues or concerns as they happen. This can help prevent more difficult issues from occurring.
• Students with interim accommodations (you will be told if you have interim accommodations) receive a letter with an INTERIM stamp on it. These are only good for one semester while you are getting documentation for A&A.

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Where can I find information on the ACT?

• Click here for an overview about the ACT.
• Click here for information regarding accommodations on the ACT.

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ETS requires certification for documentation when applying for accommodations on the GRE and TOEFL. Will the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations complete this portion of the application?

No, when applying for accommodations for any formal testing, we do not provide services in completion of the applications. Educational Testing Service (ETS) requires a very high standard to what they approve for accommodations. A&A follows the criteria set by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). The criteria set by AHEAD is not the same as ETS standards. Due to our office not working directly with ETS, we are unable to assure that our accommodation recommendations meet their standards. ETS allows students to submit their applications for accommodations without approval from Accessibility and Accommodations.

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What do I do if I feel I have not been provided my approved accommodations or services?

Students who are registered with Accessibility and Accommodations have the right to receive their approved accommodations and services. If at any time there are concerns regarding services or accommodations, please contact Accessibility and Accommodations and ask to speak to the director. If it is felt that the director has not adequately addressed the concerns, students have the right to contact the Office of Civil Rights at 217-581-5020.

Students also have the right at any time during the process to contact the Office of Civil Rights to file a grievance.

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