Student Questions

I have a disability. Do I have to meet the same requirements for admissions as students who do not have a disability?
Yes. According to the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, colleges do not have to lower their admissions standards for students with disabilities.

What documentation do I have to provide to prove that I have a disability?
You must have a statement from an appropriately licensed and certified person who is qualified to diagnose your disability and to provide a statement about its impact on your ability to function as a student in college.

I have an IEP from high school. Is that adequate documentation?
No. The IEP from high school identifies the services the high school agreed to provide. The high school IEP does not document the disability or identify the impact on college education. A recent evaluation from the high school's school psychologist or other licensed professional may be used for documentation.

Where do I send documentation of my disability?
Do NOT send it to the Admissions office. After you have been admitted to the college, send documentation to:
Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC)
Concordia University Irvine
Administration Building, Suite 114
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

How do I register with the DLRC?
To complete registration with the DLRC, you will need to complete the Intake and Registration Form, submit documentation for your disability, and meet with the Director of Disability and Learning Services.

Can I visit the DLRC while on a campus tour?
If you are planning to visit our campus as you select a university, feel free to contact the DLRC for an appointment if you would like to discuss specific accommodations in more detail. Our calendar fills up rapidly so please do not plan on just “stopping by.” An appointment is appreciated.

I think I have a disability, but have never been tested. How do I get tested?
The DLRC maintains a list of qualified professionals who can work with you to determine if you have a learning disability. Stop by the DLRC or email us for a copy.

Who pays for the testing?
Students are responsible for any costs incurred in documenting a disability.

If I decide to register with the DLRC, is my information confidential?
Yes, all information is confidential. The DLRC will retain the information for 5 years after your departure from the University and it will be shredded after that time frame.

How are accommodation decisions made?
The University must provide reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. The DLRC staff uses the documentation as a guideline for determining appropriate accommodations. While doctors may suggest possible accommodations, the University is not required to follow the doctor’s recommendations. In addition to ensuring access for students, the DLRC must also ensure that accommodations do not interfere with the integrity of the class or academic standards of the University.

When do accommodations begin?
Accommodations take effect when you and the instructor have each signed the Accommodation Agreement. It is strongly recommended that you make an appointment or visit during office hours with each of your instructors to go over your Accommodation Agreement together. This ensures that everyone is clear on how the accommodations will be implemented in each particular class. Once the details are worked out and you and the instructor sign, date, and return the agreement to the DLRC, the accommodations are in place.

Do I need to meet with the DLRC each semester to receive accommodations?
Yes. You need to meet with the DLRC each semester that you are receiving accommodations. The Accommodation Agreement is specific to each class, so anytime you have a schedule change (new semester or you add a class after the semester starts) you will need to make an appointment to get your Accommodation Agreement from the DLRC.

Is there someone who will closely monitor my progress?
Unlike high school, the university setting requires students to act as independent adults. If a student comes to the DLRC when things are going poorly, every effort will be made to get that student back in line within the parameters of our services. However, daily monitoring is not available, thus students with a high level of independence and advocacy skills will fare better.

Still Have Questions?

This portion of the website contains frequently asked questions and answers for students. If your questions about the DLRC are not answered here or in our other pages, please feel free to contact us via the following methods:

To reach us by phone, fax, or email:
Tel/Fax: 949-214-3039
Terilyn.Colacino@cui.edu

To reach us by mail:
Concordia University Irvine
Disability and Learning Resource Center
Administration Building, Suite 114
1530 Concordia W
Irvine, CA 92612