FAQs
FAQs General
What does ARS do?
Accessibility Resources and Service (ARS) provides services to students with disabilities to ensure accessibility to university classes and programs. ARS offers information and services related to accommodations and disability, Assistive Technology (AT), CART and interpreter services for academic purposes.
ARS does not offer evaluation testing, tutoring, help with class scheduling (these questions go to Academic Advisors), or student financial services. Tutoring services are offered through the Learning Center Peer Tutoring Program
What constitutes a disability?
A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as Amended (2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. If you currently have a physical or mental condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition that may be considered substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the manner, condition, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person. A major life activity is defined as performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, speaking, working, and learning.
What should I do if I have a disability and want to receive accommodations?
If you have a documented disability (long-term or temporary) that is impacting your academic performance, you will need to connect with ARS and provide documentation of this disability. This documentation must be supplied by a qualified professional who is licensed or certified to diagnose the disability in question.
Students should fill a Self-ID Form to CONNECT with ARS and provide documentation of their disability or medical condition. For more information on documentation, please visit our Registration and Documentation page.
What role do my parents/family play in the process?
College students are regarded as adults therefore the students are responsible for their own accommodation requests and other disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have an open dialogue with their parents or family for a source of support.
If a student connects with ARS, will it show up on transcripts and/or diplomas?
No. The fact that a student is registered with our office does not appear on student academic records nor in Connect Carolina. Accommodations are designed to mitigate the functional limitations that a disability may have upon the student’s ability to have the same access as other students.
Do I have to be a full-time student to receive assistance from ARS?
No. ARS serves any qualified student taking classes at UNC including the Friday Center students.
Can I request part-time status due to a disability?
Yes. Medical and Psychological Underload are evaluated by the Advising Office (and Campus Health). Please contact your advisor for further instructions and to discuss how many credits you should take that semester. You will need to provide them with current documentation that supports your request.
Does UNC have any accessible mean of transportation between classes?
UNC Transpotation and Parking provides on-demand intra-campus services that operate between pick-up and drop-off locations. Please read more about this support https://move.unc.edu/p2p/ If are a student connected with ARS, send a request via email to ars@unc.edu. If you are not yet connected with ARS, please refer to the FAQ: "What should I do if I have a disability and want to receive accommodations?"
Should I self-identify that I have a disability during the admission process?
Disclosing your disability during the admission process is voluntary and a separate process from requesting accommodations. UNC will not discriminate against you due to your status as an individual with a disability. Additionally, the Admissions Office will not notify ARS that you may need accommodations.
How can my provider submit documentation?
Documentation can be submitted via email to ars@unc.edu, via fax (919-843-5609), or ARS has a Documentation of Disability Form your provider can use.
How can I waive FERPA rights so that my parents/guardian can receive information from ARS/UNC?
To learn more about granting proxy permission visit https://studentaid.unc.edu/creating-required-pins/
For further information on FERPA including tax forms go to https://registrar.unc.edu/academic-services/uncferpa/
FAQs for Instructors
The ARS Office and ARS Testing Center continue to modify operations to match current circumstances and guidance.
What if a student who is not connected with ARS needs accommodations?
The process to request accommodations is still the same. Students should fill a Self-ID Form to CONNECT with ARS, and provide documentation of their disability or medical condition. For more information on documentation, please visit our Registration and Documentation page.
I am an instructor and I need help making my course accessible. Can ARS help?
ARS will be glad to assist you. We have created a webpage with general accessibility information. For more specific questions about digital accessibility, please contact our colleagues in the Digital Accessibility Office (DAO). The DAO has a growing schedule of trainings. If you have questions, please email ars@unc.edu or call 919-962-8300 to leave a message.
What do I do about a student with a disability who is misbehaving or disrupting class?
All students are expected to abide by the University Code of Conduct and Honor Code. Poor behavior is not an excused on the basis of disability. Respond to the behavior issue as you would with any other student.
What accommodations are required if a student discloses a disability after the fact (e.g., after failing an exam or assignment)?
Accommodation are not implemented retroactively. Students should connect with ARS timely and notify their professors of their approved accommodation with time for the them to be implemented. However, we ask professors to use discretion on listening to the students concerns and that each request is evaluated on a case-by-case as you would for any student.
I suspect that a student has a disability. How do I talk to the student about my concern?
You can tell the student that you have noticed they appear to be facing some issues and ask if there is anything that is going on with them that would be helpful for you to know. If they disclose that they have a disability, refer them to our office or connect the student with us and we will reach out to them with further steps. Another great resource is the Learning Center as they can assist any students with learning difficulties independently of them having (or not) a disability.
FAQs for Students
The ARS Office and ARS Testing Center continue to modify operations to match current circumstances and guidance.
When is the ARS office open?
The ARS office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 AM until 5 PM, except when the university is closed for holidays. The Testing Center hours are:
Summer sessions: Monday through Friday, from 8 AM until 5 PM; Fall & Spring semesters: Monday through Thursday, from 8 AM until 5 PM, and Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM, except when the university is closed for holidays
As always, we are available during normal business hours via email at ars@unc.edu. Phone calls to 919-962-8300 may be answered during normal business hours, and voicemails will be returned by the end of business day or early the following business day.
How do I schedule exams at ARS if I have been approved for testing accommodations?
Exams must be scheduled using the ARS Hub. Please check your syllabi and schedule all exams at the beginning of the semester, and no later than 5 business days/7 calendar days in advance of the class testing date. If you miss this deadline, you will need to fill out a Non-Standard Scheduling Request Form, but ARS cannot guarantee that we will be able to proctor your exam with accommodations or on the date your test is scheduled with the rest of your class.
I have an appointment with an ARS staff to discuss accommodations. How will I attend it?
We will continue to provide remote appointments either via Zoom, Yellow Schedule, or phone, however, in person appointments following CDC guidelines will also be available. If you have a scheduled appointment, please watch for an email or phone text with information and a link for the appointment. If you prefer to meet in person, please make the request by emailing ars@unc.edu at least a day prior to the meeting as ARS staff may be working remotely and may not be available in person without proper arrangements.
How do I return any equipment I have borrowed from ARS?
All equipment needs to be returned to the ARS office at the end of the academic year or as soon as possible (if you are no longer using it). Please email ars@unc.edu if you have questions or if you need further instructions.
I have an in-person class. How can I make sure the classroom fits my physical accessibility needs?
Anyone with physical access concerns in classrooms where you will be participating in person will need to check ConnectCarolina to see where your classes will be meeting. If you have any concerns about your classroom’s accessibility, please contact us as soon as possible at ars@unc.edu, specifying the classroom and class information including meeting days/times. Please pay particular attention to classes scheduled in any of the following General Purpose Classrooms:
- Caldwell 103
- Caldwell 105
- Caldwell 208
- Smith 107
- Davie 301
What resources are available for students who are deaf or hard of hearing?
In addition to the more common Academic Accommodations and Listening Support, clear masks are available for connected students through ARS. Please send requests to ars@unc.edu.
The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC) has a team of professionals (nationaldeafcenter.org/team) that can respond to your questions and offer models of successful approaches to the field.
- For guidance to your most commonly asked questions about deaf student accommodations during the crisis, see the 5 Tips for Disability Services Professionals.
- To receive updates directly to your email please subscribe to their newsletter.
- For specific questions, contact them at help@nationaldeafcenter.org or schedule a virtual appointment.
- Join their listserv and discuss strategies with colleagues and other stakeholders that have experience working with deaf individuals.
I have LD/ADHD or a disability that impacts my executive functioning skills, and I’m worried about distance learning. What resources are available to me?
The Learning Center provide services to all UNC students. They have also compiled a resource page called Online and Remote Learning: Tips for Students with ADHD that provides great information on keeping routines, study space, setting goals and much more. There are also many more online tips and guides on their webpage at https://learningcenter.unc.edu.
How can my provider submit documentation?
Documentation can be submitted via email (ars@unc.edu), via fax (919-843-5609), or ARS has a form available on our website HERE.
Can ARS help me with computer issues?
The UNC ITS office is the best resource. The online ticket process is still operational. Also, they have provided a GUIDE for off-campus internet service with potential solutions to help obtain and improve internet access from home if you are experiencing issues. ARS will continue to serve as a resource for students and instructors with questions on how to implement accommodations in a distance learning setting.
What is new in Connect Carolina?
Instructors were asked to provide additional information on course components, policies and required materials in ConnectCarolina so you know more when you enroll. This means that you may have access to draft syllabi, frequently asked questions, or other helpful documents before FDOC! Instructors may update content if necessary.
For Faculty & Staff
Accommodations are provided to qualified students who have provided documentation that supports the need for such support so they may, as independently as possible, meet the demands of university life.
The Provost directs that accommodations should be facilitated by instructors and staff as directed by ARS.
If a student discloses a disability to you or requests accommodations and you have not received a request or notification from ARS, please refer the student to ARS at your earliest opportunity.
If you believe that an accommodation is not reasonable, please contact ARS before denying an accommodation to a student. Similarly, if, at any time, you believe that further accommodations would be appropriate or if you have questions about any accommodation, you are encouraged to discuss your concerns with an ARS staff member.
ARS is always happy to connect informally or provide more formal input to campus partners, offices, departments and individual staff members about accommodations, resources and services.
In addition, ARS is able to contribute to meetings, conferences and class sessions on a range of topics including assistive technologies, universal design, accessible web-design and the legal framework governing provision for students with disabilities.