EIU Office of Accessibility and Accommodations

Frequent Asked Questions

How do I decide a major or know what to do with a major?

I have applied to EIU and been accepted. What do I need to do to ensure that I receive accommodations for my classes?

What is the process for receiving my accommodations letter?

Where can I find information on the ACT?

Where can I find information on the TAP?

Will Accessibility and Accommodations complete the TAP-Institutional Verification of Documentation form?

Where can I find information about applying for accommodations when taking exams required for admittance into graduate school programs?

What do I do if I feel I have not been provided my approved accommodations or services?

How do I decide a major or know what to do with a major?

Some students know exactly what they want to do after graduation and what is needed to reach this goal. Other students may require some support in figuring out what they would like to do. Eastern Illinois University’s Career Center is an available resource to help students looking for guidance in possible career options. Click here to visit the Career Center website to learn more

Meeting with your academic adviser in the Academic Advising Center is an additional available resource to support students throughout their academic career at EIU. Click here to visit the Academic Advising Center website to learn more

I have applied to EIU and been accepted. What do I need to do to ensure that I receive accommodations for my classes?

We value a collaborative process as we work with eligible students to establish appropriate accommodations. Please submit requests and documentation early enough to allow staff sufficient time to review the request, conduct the intake meeting, and implement approved reasonable accommodations and services. Self-report, historic information, and third-party documentation are used to inform decisions on relevant access issues. Each request is considered on an individual basis. Click here to learn more about Requesting Accommodations.

Top of page

What is the process for receiving my accommodation letter?

• Current students must log in to the OAA portal each semester to send a letter to each of their instructors electronically either before or during the first week of classes.
• Teachers must be given a minimum of one week to prepare for testing accommodations when possible.
• Students are strongly encouraged to meet with instructors during office hours to discuss accommodations; if they have a time conflict, they should make an appointment to meet with the instructor at a different time. 
• If a student has followed the above steps and is not being accommodated, they need to contact OAA right away.
• If students are experiencing difficulty and would like to have additional accommodations considered, they should contact OAA.
• Students should let OAA know if they have issues or concerns as they happen. This can help prevent more difficult issues from occurring.
• Students with interim accommodations will generate a letter with the interim status stated at the top. These are only good for one semester.

Top of page

Where can I find information on the ACT?

• Click here for an overview about the ACT.
• Click here for information regarding accommodations on the ACT.

Top of page

Where can and I find information on the TAP?

You may learn more about the TAP by visiting the following website. Click here for more information.

Top of page

Will Accessibility and Accommodations complete the TAP-Institutional Verification of Documentation form?

• No, due to the OAA not working directly with ILTS, we are unable to assure that the OAA accommodation recommendations meet ILTS standards.
• ILTS allows students to submit their applications for accommodations without the completion of the Institutional Verification of Documentation form.
• The OAA staff may assist any students registered with our office in the completion of their application for assessment to the best of our ability based on our interpretation of the ILTS.
• If you have any questions regarding testing accommodations, it is recommended to contact ILTS Alternate Testing Arrangement Coordinator at: (800) 239-8107 or (413) 256-2870 or access ILTS Alternate Testing Arrangement Website.

Top of page

Where can I find information about applying for accommodations when taking exams required for admittance into graduate school programs or licensure/certificaiton exams?

Exams like the GRE or licensure/certification exams typically require special documentation when applying for accommodations. The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations cannot complete these accommodation applications for the student. When applying for accommodations for any formal testing, we do not provide services in completion of the applications. Companies like Educational Testing Service (ETS) require a very high standard to what they approve for accommodations. Due to our office not working directly with these companies, we are unable to assure that our accommodation recommendations meet their standards. Many of these companies require documentation from a qualified provider who is able to conduct evaluations and make diagnoses. Our office does not provide these types of services. We can try to answer any questions a student may have about the accommodation application for a specific test, but ultimately decisions are at the discrection of the testing company. 

Top of page

What do I do if I feel I have not been provided my approved accommodations or services?

Students who are registered with OAA have the right to receive their approved accommodations and services. If at any time there are concerns regarding services or accommodations, please contact OAA and ask to speak to the director. If it is felt that the director has not adequately addressed the concerns, students have the right to contact the Office of Civil Rights at 217-581-5020.

Students also have the right at any time during the process to contact the Office of Civil Rights to file a grievance.

Top of page