Students With Special Needs
Overview
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary is committed to meeting the special needs of individuals with disabilities. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), MBBS does not discriminate against students with disabilities. The seminary makes every effort to arrange services and accommodations for any student for whom a recent (three years or less) assessment or diagnosis can document a disability. The student is responsible for all assessment costs. Medical information relating to the student’s needs should include the impact of medication on the student’s ability to meet the demand of seminary academics and work. Suggestions for reasonable accommodations that might be appropriate at the graduate level are encouraged. These recommendations should be supported by the diagnosis. If the diagnosis of the disability is older than three years, the student is still encouraged to talk with the Student Dean.
The Student Dean’s office coordinates services for students with disabilities, respectively. Therefore, all assessment reports should be directed to that office.
According to the ADA, a person with a disability is one who:
1. Has a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits a major life activity.
2. Has a record or history or such impairment.
3. Is regarded as having such impairment.
Student Responsibilities
If an individual wishes to receive accommodation for a disability, the following are to be taken:
Step 1: Contact the Student Dean’s office. Set up a meeting with the Student Dean to find out the services available at MB Biblical Seminary. Bring any documentation with you to this meeting.
Step 2: Meeting the eligibility requirements. The student is required by law to bring documentation of his or her disability to the meeting with the Student Dean. The Dean will determine if they meet the eligibility requirements. If so, they move to step 3. If he or she does not meet these requirements they are guided to other services available. If there is a disagreement between the Student Dean and the student on the need for accommodation, the student can appeal to the Academic Dean.
Step 3: Deciding specific accommodations. The student and Student Dean together create a plan for how the student will meet their individual course requirements.
Step 4: Implementing the Plan: The student approaches each course instructor and shares his or her need for accommodations along with the plan that has been approved by the Student Dean. Together the student and instructor agree to the plan.
Step 5: Revise the Plan: If necessary, the student and instructor may revise the accommodation plan.
Faculty Responsibilities
Step 1: If a student approaches you to receive accommodations because of a disability, refer them to the Student Dean.
Step 2: Require an accommodation plan from the Student Dean from each student claiming accommodation need.
Step 3: Include a statement in your syllabus informing students about the Seminary’s policy on disabilities. Keep disability-related information confidential. You are not required to grade students with disabilities differently than other students. Students with disabilities are required to meet the same academic requirements of the class as other students. This also includes attendance.
Step 4: Work with students when they come with an accommodation plan.
Further Questions
Please direct any further questions to the Dean of Students office on campus.