Letter of Accommodations

Submit your Letters of Accommodations: Once approved for accommodations, the  next step is to request your Letter of Accommodations for every semester and each course you need the accommodations. See below for more detailed information or watch the short video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Letter of Accommodations?

How do I request my Letter of Accommodations?

How do I submit my letter of accommodations to my professors?

What is a Letter of Accommodations?

A Letter of Accommodations (LOA) is a document provided by the Office of Disability Services that explains to faculty the reasonable accommodations to be provided to a student. The Letter of Accommodations is given to students who have met all of the following criteria:

• Submitted appropriate documentation to verify their disability.
• Met with a representative from the Office of Disability Services.
• Has been approved by Rutgers as an individual with a disability by the Office of Disability Services.
• Are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations at Rutgers University.

The letter contains course accommodations recommended by the Office of Disability Services based on the student's disability. The LOA is often the first step in receiving accommodations.  Students may need to implement each accommodation by filling out the appropriate accommodation form (e.g., exam accommodation form, note-taking form, alternative text format, Assistive Technology form, ASL/CART form etc.).  The forms assist ODS in implementing accommodations for students.  Since students have the ability to choose which accommodations they would like to utilize throughout a semester, filling out the appropriate accommodation form allows ODS to assist in the implementation.  

How do I request my Letter of Accommodations?

Students who have been approved to receive a letter of accommodations must submit a Letter of Accommodations Request Form. Every student seeking course accommodations is required to fill out the Letter of Accommodations Form every semester they require accommodations. 

How do I submit my Letter of Accommodations to my professors or school?

Once approved for accommodations, the next step is to request your Letter of Accommodations, every semester for each course you need the accommodations. When you complete and submit your Letter of Accommodations Form, a copy of the letter is sent from our office to both you and your professor or appropriate University personnel (See "Specific LOA Information for each Rutgers Campus" below).

It is important that the student and professor have a clear understanding of what is agreed upon regarding the use and implementation of these accommodations. Therefore, you should confirm with your professor that they received your letter and understand what to do on their end. This usually entails a conversation with your professor so that you both understand your roles in implementing the accommodations in the course.

Students are encouraged to submit their LOA forms as early in the semester as possible.  However, it should be understood that under some circumstances (e.g., student was approved for accommodations later in the semester, student was recently diagnosed) the student may submit their letter later in the semester.

Students with questions regarding their Letters of Accommodations should contact their coordinator.

Sample Email Template

Below is a sample email you can use when sharing the LOA with your instructor.

Subject Line: Letter of Accommodation: (Your name) 

Dear Professor/School name, 

I am a student in your (course name) and (course number). I have been approved to receive accommodations through the Office of Disability Services and you were copied in an email where my Letter of Accommodation was attached. 

I would like to set up a time to discuss this information with you to determine how we will implement these accommodations and to answer any questions you may have. If possible, could we have the conversation via (Choose your preference) e-mail, phone call, video call?  What date and time is most convenient for you? 

My contact information is as follows: 

Your Name 

Email Address 

Phone number 

Thank you for your attention to this matter and I hope to hear from you soon. 

Sincerely, 

(Your Name) 

Specific LOA Information for Rutgers Campuses:

For Rutgers Law School Students: Rutgers Law School Students (Camden and Newark) do not use the LOA process.

For Rutgers Health (formerly RBHS):

• Medical School student letters of accommodation are sent to the student and the Office of Student Affairs
• Dental School letters are sent to the student and the Office of Academic Affairs. 

All other students should follow the procedures outlined above.