Letters of Accommodation (LOAs)

  • 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 (ODS).
    • 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.

  • Once a student submits their Letter of Accommodations Form, a copy of the letter is sent from ODS to their professor in the Faculty portal as well as the student in the Student Portal. An email notification is sent to faculty/instructor to notify them of how to enter the portal and retrieve letters for students enrolled in their courses. 

    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 described in the letter. Any conversations about accommodations should occur in as confidential of a manner as possible, so we encourage students to utilize office hours when possible.

  • Students are encouraged to request their LOA be sent to their professor 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.

    Instructors/Faculty with questions regarding their Letters of Accommodations should contact ODS coordinator who is listed at the bottom of the LOA.