Student Accessibility Services

Academic Accommodations at Miami Law

At Accessibility Services, we are committed to ensuring equal access and fostering your academic success. Requesting accommodations is an interactive process that relies on open communication between you and our team, allowing us to better understand your specific needs. Together, we identify appropriate accommodations tailored to your individual circumstances.

As part of this collaborative process, students must submit documentation detailing their diagnosis and functional limitations. This documentation is essential in helping us determine and implement effective accommodations.

We prioritize student confidentiality. Your personal information, including your diagnosis, treatment details, and any disability-related records, remains private and secure. Such sensitive information is not shared with faculty or staff, except in limited circumstances when necessary to facilitate an accommodation. Our goal is always to safeguard your privacy throughout this process.

Accessibility Services is committed to guiding and supporting you in achieving academic success. We encourage you to maintain open dialogue with our office to ensure your needs are continuously and proactively met.

 

New Students: Requesting an Accommodation

To request accommodations at the University of Miami School of Law, please complete the Request for Accommodations Form, including uploading essential supporting documentation. We require this documentation to accurately determine accommodations tailored to your academic needs. Requests without proper documentation cannot be evaluated.

Once your request and documentation are received, our team will contact you within five business days. Processing may extend to ten business days at peak times (e.g., the start of fall semester). Requests submitted in the last three weeks of a semester are typically processed for the following semester unless they involve a recent medical emergency.

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  • Documentation Requirements

    Review the University’s Documentation Guidelines to ensure submission of the necessary documentation. Note: A history of accommodations alone is not sufficient. For a quick reference, see our Documentation Guidelines Cheat Sheet.

  • Admissions and Accommodations

    Disclosing a disability will not negatively impact your admission. If sharing disability information helps explain your academic record, you may include it with your application. Once admitted, contact Accessibility Services to establish accommodations promptly.

  • How Accommodations Are Determined

    Accommodations are decided individually based on current functional limitations and supported by medical documentation. Historical accommodations do not guarantee the same accommodations at Miami Law. Requests must align with the essential requirements of our law program, ensuring accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

  • Types of Accommodations

    Temporary Medical Conditions

    Accessibility Services provides temporary accommodations for medical emergencies like injuries, surgeries, or hospitalizations. Complete the Temporary Accommodations Form.

    Assistance Animals
    • Service Animals: Allowed per ADA guidelines.
    • Emotional Support Animals: Not permitted in classrooms or restricted areas.
    Parking Accommodations

    The Office of Accessibility Services does not handle permanent parking accommodations. In accordance with the ADA, accessible parking spaces are available for individuals with mobility impairments or conditions requiring parking close to building entrances. Students with a valid handicap parking permit may park in any designated ADA parking space on campus, regardless of their assigned parking lot. 

    If a student needs temporary parking accommodation (up to 30 days) due to an injury or medical condition, they should submit a request through the Law School's Office of Accessibility Services. 

    For more information on obtaining a handicapped parking permit, please visit: Miami-Dade County.

  • Academic Policies

    Academic Absences

    Absences are reviewed individually based on specific documented limitations.

    Note-Taking Assistance

    Qualified students may request note-taking assistance. Submit requests by the second week of classes. Note-taking assistance is not provided for recorded classes with transcription services. Learn more.

    Classroom Participation and Anxiety

    Public speaking is integral to law education. Although anxiety is common, course waivers are not permitted. Support is available to help students manage these skills.

    Managing Academic Absences

    Absences due to disability-related conditions are considered case-by-case.

    Appealing Accommodation Decisions

    Students who disagree with accommodation decisions can appeal to the Dean of Students. Appeals must include detailed justification and current medical documentation. Decisions are final. More information on the appeals process.

    Anti-Retaliation Policy

    The University prohibits retaliation against students filing grievances. Decisions regarding accommodations are not influenced by grievances.

  • Resources for Law Students

    Counseling Services

    Comprehensive mental health services are available through the University of Miami Counseling Center.

    Health Insurance and Services

    Full-time law students are enrolled in the university’s health insurance. Visit the Student Health Center for medical services.

    Medical Withdrawal Policy

    Discuss medical withdrawal requests directly with the Dean of Students following the guidelines in the Student Handbook.

Students Registered with Accessibility Services

If you have already been approved for accommodations at the University of Miami School of Law, you do not need to reapply each semester unless your accommodation needs change. To update or adjust your accommodations, contact us via email at access@miami.edu. Our team will assist you promptly to ensure your needs are met.

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  • Maintaining Open Communication

    Maintaining proactive communication with Accessibility Services regarding academic or life challenges is essential. Early dialogue allows us to provide timely support and referrals to additional Miami Law resources. Remember, academic accommodations are not retroactive, so it's crucial to address concerns promptly. The Director maintains an open-door policy for urgent matters. Contact us directly at access@miami.edu or visit the office in the library, suite D233.

  • Academic Accommodations

    Note-Taking Assistance

    If approved for note-taking support, submit requests by the Friday of the second week of classes. Late requests may not be accommodated due to note-taker availability. Note-taking assistance is not provided for recorded lectures, as students have access to recordings and transcripts.
    Learn more.

    Classes with No Laptop Policies

    If you have computer-use accommodation and your professor has a “No Laptop Policy,” contact Accessibility Services immediately at access@miami.edu for assistance and resolution.

  • Testing Accommodations

    Testing Room Policies
    • Students must remain in the testing room for the duration of the exam.
    • Students may not leave the testing room except for restroom breaks and must use the sign-in sheet.
    • Purchasing food or water during an exam session is prohibited; violations will result in disciplinary action. Snacks and water guidelines are provided with testing instructions.
    • Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited.
    • Immediately report any testing issues to the proctor.
    Punctuality

    Students must arrive on time, fully prepared for their exams. Late arrivals will not be admitted, and rescheduling will depend on space and proctor availability.

    Rescheduling an Exam

    Reschedule requests must be emailed to access@miami.edu. Accessibility Services, in consultation with the Dean of Students, evaluates requests case-by-case for medical emergencies or documented accommodation-related issues.

    Reschedule requests based on class or work schedule conflicts must be submitted at least 48 business hours prior to the testing date. No exceptions will be made.

    Non-negotiable guidelines:

    • Exams can only be rescheduled for after the original date, never earlier.
    • Exams must be rescheduled within three days of the original date.
    • Additional rescheduling requires consultation with relevant parties.
    • Final exams follow the sequence of your existing exam schedule, possibly shifting all exams by one or two days.
    • Rescheduled exams are identical to peers' unless academic integrity is compromised.
    Take-Home Exams

    Understanding how your testing accommodations apply to take-home exams is essential for being fully prepared. Please note:

    • Extended Time: Extended time applies only to timed exams lasting 12 hours or less. Your accommodation percentage (50% or 100%) will determine your total testing time.
    • Planning Your Exam: Plan your schedule carefully based on instructions provided by the Registrar’s Office unless otherwise specified by Accessibility Services.
    • Exam Formats: Exams may be portal-based or software-based. Refer to the attached Take-Home Exams Flyer for detailed guidelines.
    • Access: Follow registrar-provided instructions carefully to download the necessary materials and software.


    If you encounter issues or have any questions regarding take-home exams and accommodations, please contact Accessibility Services at access@miami.edu. We're here to support you!

  • Academic Integrity

    Accessibility Services strictly adheres to Miami Law’s Academic Integrity Standards. Any misuse of accommodations or cheating will result in immediate action and referral to the Dean of Students.

  • MPRE and Bar Exam Accommodations

    Accessibility Services supports Miami Law students petitioning for MPRE and Bar exam accommodations. Schedule a meeting with the Director to discuss requirements, documentation, and the petition process. Accurate documentation and procedural adherence are critical, and the Director can provide guidance at each step.

  • Important Deadlines

    Meeting submission deadlines helps ensure timely review and accommodations. Late requests might not be processed for the current semester.

  • Important Information to Know

    The School of Law is committed to equal access and complies with the ADA, ADA Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other relevant laws. Reasonable accommodations, determined individually through documentation and consultation, are provided to registered students. Accommodations that cause undue burden or fundamentally alter academic requirements are not considered reasonable and will not be granted.

  • Medical Withdrawal Policy

    Requests for medical withdrawal should be discussed directly with the Dean of Students, following the Student Handbook process.

Faculty and Staff Information

At the University of Miami School of Law, we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students. Accessibility Services collaborates closely with faculty and staff to implement academic accommodations effectively, ensuring equitable access without compromising the fundamental requirements of our courses or program. For specific questions regarding accommodations, we have developed this comprehensive Academic Accommodations Guide to support your understanding and facilitate the effective implementation of accommodations in your courses.

Lina Villegas, Director of Accessibility Services, is available as your primary resource and point of contact for questions, concerns, or assistance regarding student accommodations. Lina works collaboratively with faculty and staff to address accommodation requests thoughtfully and appropriately.

Contact Us

Accessibility Services

University of Miami School of Law
1311 Miller Drive, Suite A212
Coral Gables, FL 33146-0221
Phone: 305-284-4551
E-mail: access@miami.edu

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