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Office for Disability Equity

Requesting approved academic accommodations

After the Office for Disability Equity (ODE) approves your academic accommodations, here is how to use them in your courses.

Law students: The law school uses a different process. If you are enrolled in the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, follow the law school’s steps instead. 

Step 1: Review 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

Autumn 2026 Semester Request window: August 17, 2026 through November 30, 2026 

  • Log into the ODE portal
  • Select "Customize Accommodation Letters," choose your accommodations, and send letters for your courses. Letters go directly to your professors. See Submit a Semester Request for detailed steps.

Why the Semester Request matters

Your Semester Request activates your accommodations for the term or course. After you submit it:

  • You get an email once ODE delivers your letter. 
  • You can book exams with the ODE Testing Center if you are eligible. 
  • You can use the Note Taker Network if you are eligible.

Did you add a course later? Submit again.  

Your Semester Request only covers the courses at the time you submit it. If you add a new course afterward, submit a new Semester Request for that course. If you skip this step, that faculty member will not receive your letter.  

Step 3 (critical): Follow up and meet with each professor

  • Once your letter is delivered, email each professor with a clear subject line (e.g., "Accommodation Discussion Request"), noting that your letter came through the ODE portal, and ask to meet. (See sample follow-up emails.) 
  • In that meeting, confirm how each accommodation applies in that specific course and clarify any gray areas (e.g., extended time on pop quizzes). 

Step 4: Schedule exams with the ODE Testing Center (if applicable)

Book through the ODE portal at least five (5) business days in advance. See the ODE Testing Center page. 

If issues arise

  • Contact your access consultant.

  • Communicate early to prevent problems.