Frequently Asked Questions (​FAQ)

Ask them if they are registered with Accessibility Resources. If not, encourage the student to contact Accessibility Resources to learn more about reasonable accommodations and student support services available on campus. We can support the student with obtaining documentation if needed.

• Accommodations are determined by the Accessibility Resources staff member conducting the intake interview (the Senior Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director) based on a student's personal narrative and supported by documentation from a healthcare provider.
• Through an interactive process with the student, we identify functional limitations to learning and discuss accommodations that may assist in removing barriers.
• Accommodations are not intended to compromise core course requirements and may require input from instructors.

Most often you will receive a faculty notification request to your official MNSU email address via MavAccess that states the student's accommodation needs. In the case of a medical emergency or temporary disability, you may receive an email directly from Accessibility Resources staff stating the student's accommodation needs during a set timeframe.

Students can disclose disability status and register with AR at any point in the semester; however, accommodations can be most effectively implemented when they are requested early. As a practice, AR does not require instructors to provide retroactive accommodation. However, you may find it to be reasonable in some circumstances.

Students with disabilities have the right to equitable access to education, and accommodations are intended to mitigate barriers. The method for achieving access may differ for each person or each course.

All students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct. Identify disruptive or concerning behavior. Clearly state your behavior expectations to the student. Contact Accessibility Resources to coordinate a meeting where student and faculty staff voices can be heard, and a joint action plan formed for creating a positive learning environment.

• Consider arranging a meeting to discuss the student’s performance as you would with any other student in a similar situation.
• Additionally, you may want to ask the student if they are using all of their accommodations. If they are not, talk about implementing them as this may provide better access.
• Consult with AR staff to discuss concerns, ideas, and options.
• Suggest campus resources that might be helpful: Center for Academic Success, Counseling Center, Student Support Services, department tutoring (if available), academic advising.
• Accommodations are intended to provide equal access – not guarantee success.

Please refer the student to Accessibility Resources. We coordinate accommodations for graduate assistants in both their academics and employment on campus.

Yes, we welcome either individual consultations or department trainings. Please contact Accessibility Resources at ar@mnsu.edu or 507-389-2825 so we can discuss training needs.

Accessibility Resources accommodates over 800 students per year. The top three disabilities served on campus are psychiatric disabilities (such as depression or anxiety), ADHD, and systemic health conditions. Please be mindful that most persons with disabilities have a hidden or invisible disability which may not have visible symptoms. Instructional Strategies and characteristics of various disabilities can be found in the “Working with Students with Disabilities” page.