Accommodation Request Process

We want every student at ECU to have access to campus life. If you have a disability and need accommodations, Disability Support Services (DSS) is here to support you. Our goal is to make the request process clear and straightforward, so you know what to expect at every step.

Students begin the accommodation process by submitting an accommodation request to DSS and participating in the interactive process.

What is the Interactive Process?

This “interactive process” is a conversation between you and DSS. We work together to understand your needs and decide which accommodations make sense. Your input matters, and we can’t complete the process without it.

How to Request Accommodations

Step 1: Submit a Request

  • Complete the Accommodation Request Form in the DSS Portal.
  • Upload supporting documentation via the DSS Portal, or submit it later by email, fax, or in person.
  • Questions about documentation? Review DSS Documentation Guidelines and reach out for any unanswered questions.
  • Questions about using the DSS Portal? Review the DSS Portal Guide for Students.

Step 2: Meet with DSS

  • After DSS receives the request, the student will be invited to schedule a meeting through the DSS Portal, or they may call the office to make arrangements.
  • During the meeting, we’ll discuss the student’s experiences, requested accommodations, disability-related impacts, and answer any questions.

Step 3: DSS Reviews the Request

  • DSS will review the request and make a determination.
  • This usually takes a few days but can require up to 2–3 weeks.
  • If more information is needed, DSS will contact the student.

Step 4: After the Determination

  • DSS will notify the student when the review is complete to explain the determination and next steps.
  • If accommodations are approved, we’ll coach the student on how to begin using accommodations.
  • If a requested accommodation cannot be approved, DSS will explain the decision and discuss any additional steps or resources that may be available.

When to Request Accommodations

Students may request accommodations at any time. However, it is important to plan ahead to ensure accommodations are available when needed. Accommodations are not retroactive.

Current ECU students

  • Submit a request as soon as a need becomes apparent.
  • The accommodation request process may take 2–3 weeks to complete.

Incoming ECU students

  • Students may contact DSS to learn about the process at any time.
  • Incoming students should wait until they have accepted admission to ECU before submitting a request.
  • Incoming students enrolling for Fall may request accommodations as early as January.
    • Academic accommodations reviews typically begin in May.
    • Housing and Dining accommodation reviews begin in February.
  • Incoming students enrolling in Spring should submit request as early as possible, generally in November or December.

Housing Accommodation Requests

  • Incoming students should submit housing accommodation requests by early April to improve the likelihood that the review process can be completed before housing assignments are made.
  • Requests received after April will still be considered but may result in delays or waitlists.