Requesting Accommodation

To ensure accommodations can be evaluated, implemented, and communicated to your faculty, we request students complete the required forms, submit the required documentation, and meet with our offices as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you and supporting your journey at Sonoran University.

Sonoran University utilizes the Accommodate site to help manage student accommodation requests and to implement approved plans. Read below for information on using the Accommodate site and how to request accommodations. 

When to Apply

• Initial and Update Requests for classroom and clinical accommodations should be completed as soon as known but no later than 2 weeks before the start of the term.
• Practical, hands-on, and skill-practicing assessment/examination accommodations need processed at least 2 terms in advance due to the complex nature of scheduling and administering those exams.

Process for Initiating a New Request or Updating a Previous Accommodation Plan

The information below is for students who have a documented condition and are looking to apply for reasonable accommodations and services at Sonoran University:

1. Complete the appropriate form below according to the timelines above. For instructions on how to submit these forms please see the Accessibility Office Forms Page
   1. Initial Request Form  - For students applying for accommodations for the first time at Sonoran University.
   2. Change Request Form - This form is used to add, substitute, or remove approved accommodations for students already on an approved accommodation plan. Students must be logged in to Accommodate to initiate a request.
2. Log into Accommodate Site - Upon submission of the appropriate form, students will receive a confirmation message and an invite to log in to the Accommodate site. Supporting medical documentation can be attached to the request form or submitted later.
3. Look for an email invitation to schedule an appointment - Upon receipt of the form, the Accessibility Office will contact the student to schedule a virtual accommodations intake meeting. A link is included in the email to assist with scheduling or the link may be found on the Accessibility Office home page. 
4. Submit appropriate documentation - If documentation was not submitted with the request form on or before the review meeting, log into Accommodate to upload the supporting medical documents.
   • For information on documentation requirements please see the Documentation Guidelines and Principles page.
   • For instructions on how to upload documents see the Accessibility & Accommodate Forms page.
5. Student Notification - After submitting the request form, supporting medical documentation, and meeting with the Accessibility Office, students will receive a notification with the status of the accommodation request. One of the following statuses may apply to your request:
   1. Accommodations Approved: Occurs when all information has been reviewed and reasonable accommodations are offered. The student will be notified and requested to sign off on the finalized plan. Current faculty will be notified and must acknowledge the approved accommodations.
   2. Request Not Approved: When a student’s request for accommodations as documented does not qualify them for the accommodations requested, the student will receive notice of the non-approval. A student may request a follow-up meeting with the Accessibility Office to explain the rationale for the decision.

* Accommodations requested during the term will be implemented when logistically and reasonably possible but may not be applicable until the start of the following term or course. Please be aware that some of Sonoran's programs, like the ND program, have practical assessments/examinations that are complex to reschedule or adjust on short notice. It is recommended that students submit an Accessibility Request or Update Request form to start the evaluation process as soon as they know accommodations will be required to avoid delays.