The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at St. Francis College is committed to ensuring that no individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in college programs or activities due to his or her disability. In order to ensure students with disabilities have full access to our academic programs, accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.
It is important to note that students with disabilities are expected to meet the academic requirements of your course. Accommodations are provided to eliminate barriers related to disability that could prevent the student from being successful. It is the responsibility of all St. Francis College students, including students with disabilities, to attend regularly, participate fully and complete the required course material for all registered courses.
The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all students who use our services. Information shared with our office, including documentation of disabilities and personal circumstances, is protected and will not be disclosed without the student’s explicit consent, except in cases where disclosure is required by law (e.g., when there is a concern for safety or a legal obligation to report).
The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at St. Francis College is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations to promote academic success and equal access to all educational opportunities. Below are the outlined policies for students utilizing OAA services:
Exam Scheduling Policy
Students must reach out to the OAA directly at least three (3) business days before their scheduled exam to arrange for accommodations. This ensures adequate time to prepare necessary resources, such as extra time or alternate testing environments. Failure to schedule within this timeframe may result in the inability to secure accommodations for the exam.
- Requests must be made by email at oaa@sfc.edu. Additional questions can be asked by email, phone, or in person during office hours.
- Students are responsible for confirming their scheduled exam times with the OAA and showing up on time and ready to take their exam on the day and time that has been coordinated by the OAA.
Bathroom Policy
Students are expected to use the bathroom before and after their exam. To minimize disruptions and maintain the integrity of the testing environment, the following rules apply:
- Pre- and Post-Exam Use: Students must plan to use the bathroom either before the exam begins or after the exam is completed.
- Emergency Use: In the event of a bathroom emergency during the exam, the student may request permission to use the bathroom. In such cases, the student must leave their phone with the OAA staff in a designated area before exiting the exam room.
Phone and Personal Belongings Policy
To maintain academic integrity during exams, the following rules apply to phones and personal items:
- Phone Storage: All phones must be turned off or silenced and placed inside the student’s bag before the exam begins. No phones or electronic devices may be accessed during the exam.
- Personal Belongings: Students are required to store their personal belongings, including bags, outside the exam room or in a designated area inside the OAA as directed by OAA staff.
Exam Preparation and Materials Policy
Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies and arriving prepared for their exam with the appropriate materials. The OAA will not provide supplies unless previously arranged as part of a student’s accommodations.
- Required Supplies: Students must bring all necessary materials such as laptops, tablets, pens, pencils, calculators, and any other equipment required for the exam.
- Check with Instructor: It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with their instructor in advance what materials are allowed or required for the exam.
Failure to bring the appropriate supplies may result in a delay or inability to complete the exam.
Academic Integrity
Students are prohibited from discussing the exam or communicating with others in any manner during the testing period.
- Unauthorized materials, including electronic devices and notes, are not allowed in the exam room.
- Any suspected violations, including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or facilitating academic dishonesty, must be reported to the OAA for investigation.
- Consequences for violations may include failing grades, suspension, or expulsion.
By enrolling at St. Francis College, students acknowledge their understanding and commitment to this policy, which is subject to review and amendment to maintain the integrity of our academic environment.
Additional Support
If students have any questions or require additional support, they are encouraged to contact the OAA staff as early as possible to discuss their individual needs.
Contact Information:
- Email: oaa@sfc.edu
- Phone: 718-489-2040
- Office Location: 7201
These policies are designed to ensure that all students have equal access to their accommodations while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. Thank you for your cooperation.
St. Francis College Office of Accessibility and Accommodations
9AM-5PM 7201
oaa@sfc.edu
For any further questions or concerns please contact
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Natasha Edwards at nedwards2@sfc.edu
We encourage open communication to ensure effective support and accommodations.