Admission Information for Students with Disabilities

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Amendment Act of 2008

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA), a person is entitled to legal protection from discrimination and possible reasonable accommodations if:

1. The person possesses a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity
2. The person has a record of such impairment
3. The person is regarded as having such impairment

Concordia University Irvine is an institution of higher education that receives federal assistance. Thus, the faculty, staff, and administrators of Concordia University are legally bound to prohibit discrimination in the recruitment process, the admissions process, and the educational process of students with disabilities. Students with documented disabilities are entitled to receive approved reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids which will enable them to participate in and benefit from all educational programs and activities on the Concordia University campus. Under the provisions of Section 504, Concordia University may not:

1. Limit the number of qualified students with disabilities admitted
2. Make pre-admission inquiries as to whether or not an applicant is disabled
3. Use admissions tests or criteria that inadequately measure the academic qualifications of students with disabilities because special provisions were not made for them
4. Exclude a qualified student with a disability from any course of study
5. Limit eligibility to a student with disability for financial assistance or otherwise discriminate in administering scholarships, fellowships, internships or assistantships on the basis of handicap
6. Counsel a student with a disability toward a more restrictive career
7. Measure student achievement using modes that adversely discriminate against a student with a disability
8. Establish rules and policies that may adversely affect students with disabilities

Admission Procedures

Applicants with disabilities applying to Concordia University follow the same admission procedures as students without disabilities and must submit application materials as requested by the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office will make the initial decision of acceptance in accordance with established admission standards. Initial decisions regarding acceptance will be made without regard to disability.

Pre-Admission Documentation Submission

The Admissions Office and the DLRC ask that prospective students not submit documentation of disability prior to receiving initial notification from the Admissions Office regarding acceptance to Concordia University. Documentation of disability provided before the Admissions Office has made an initial acceptance decision will be returned to the student.

Admission Appeals with Regard to Disability

Should a student with a disability not be accepted into Concordia University, he/she may request that a re-evaluation of his or her application occur with regard given to disability. Such re-consideration requests may be made by contacting the Admissions Office or the DLRC. Students requesting re-consideration of their application will be asked to submit documentation of their disability within 30 days of initial denial. The Director of Disability and Learning Services will make a recommendation to the Admissions Office after reviewing the case. The Admissions Office will make the final decision regarding acceptance.

High School to College Transition Planning

Students with disabilities who received services and accommodations on the basis of disability in high school, junior college, or at another university are advised to obtain relevant information, including clinical evaluations, prior to enrollment at Concordia University. High school students receiving special education services are recommended to meet with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team prior to their graduation to obtain a formal transition plan. Students are also advised to receive a clinical re-evaluation, if needed, prior to enrolling at Concordia University.

Students in Private or Home Schools

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA), students with disabilities enrolled in private, including parochial and home schools, are entitled to evaluative and special education services. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the principal of their local public high school if diagnostic testing or educational services are needed.