Disability Services
Misericordia University is committed to creating an environment where all are welcome and does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, educational process, or treatment of students. In the spirit of hospitality and justice, we comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended. In order to receive services, students must self-identify their disability and provide documentation from a healthcare professional. Eligibility for accommodations such academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aides is determined through an individualized, interactive process in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).
Registering for Accommodations
All students entering the University may self disclose via the Request for Accommodations Form, which affords them the opportunity to seek academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services under Section 504 free of charge. Students with a documented disability may seek services at any time.
Students may also elect to apply to Misericordia University's Alternative Learners Program (ALP). ALP is designed to provide support to students with disabilities that extend beyond those accommodations required under the University's Section 504 program. ALP students pay a fee each semester for participation in the program. Learn more about the Alternative Learners Program.
Personnel from the Office for Students with Disabilities complete an intake process in which the student's expressed needs and the disability documentation are reviewed. Eligibility for services is based on a combination of the student's description of need, the thoroughness of the disability documentation, and documentation policies. Students determined eligible for either 504 and/or ALP services receive an Accommodation Plan to initiate service delivery.
Grievance Procedure
Office for Students with Disabilities Grievance Procedure
Misericordia University is committed to a policy of ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in university programs or activities due to his or her disability. The university is fully committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504) and to providing equal educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Any university student who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability or has been denied access or accommodations required by law shall have the right to invoke the Office for Students with Disabilities Grievance Procedure. This procedure is designed to address disagreements or denials regarding requested services, accommodations, or modifications to university academic practices or requirements. The Office for Students with Disabilities Grievance Procedure is not intended and shall not supersede other university policies and procedures.
Contact
The OSD is located in the Student Success Center (SSC), on the lower level of Alumnae Hall.
Individuals seeking accommodations may call 570-674-6408 or email Kristen Ricardo, Assistant Director SSC/Office for Students with Disabilities.