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ODE

Requesting approved academic accommodations

Once ODE approves your academic accommodations, you will need to connect with your professors to discuss how those accommodations will be implemented in each course. The steps below will help the process go smoothly. 

Law Students: If you are enrolled in the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, follow the law school’s specific process, which differs from the instructions on this page.

Step 1: Review your syllabi

Identify which accommodations apply to each course.

Example: You might not need attendance accommodations for online classes. 

Step 2: Submit a Semester Request in the ODE portal

Semester Request submission dates

Summer 2026: Opens May 5, 2026
Autumn 2026: August 17, 2026 through November 30, 2026

  • Log into the ODE portal
  • Submit a Semester Request to choose the accommodations. This allows you to customize your accommodation letter and send it to your professor through the portal (follow the Semester Request instructions). 

Why submitting a Semester Request matters

Submitting your Semester Request is what activates your accommodations for the term or course. Once you submit it:

  • An updated accommodation letter is sent directly to your course instructor. 
  • You can book exams with the ODE Testing Center if you are eligible for testing accommodations. 
  • You can use the Note Taker Network if you are eligible for note taking accommodations.

What students should know 

A Semester Request applies only to the courses at the time you submit it. If you add a new course after submitting your request, you must submit a semester Semester Request for that course. 

Step 3: Follow up with your professors

  • Email your professors to request a meeting or conversation. Use a clear subject line such as Accommodation Discussion Request. 
  • In your email, mention that your letter was sent through the ODE portal; ask to meet and discuss the accommodations (view Email samples). 

Step 4: Discuss accommodations with your professors

During your meeting or conversation:

  • Confirm how each accommodation will be implemented in the course context.
  • Ask questions if anything is unclear (e.g., how extended time will be handled for pop quizzes). 
  • Understand your responsibilities (e.g., notifying the professor within 24 hours of an absence) and your professor's responsibilities.

This ensures everyone is on the same page and helps prevent misunderstandings later.

Step 5: Schedule exams with the ODE Testing Center (if applicable)

Students approved for testing accommodations must schedule exams through the ODE portal with faculty approval, at least five (5) business days in advance. 

If issues arise

  • Contact your access consultant.

  • Communicate early to prevent problems.