Academic accommodations are determined on an individualized basis through an interactive process that involves student self-disclosure, documentation of disability, and an initial meeting with a Disability Specialist.
Disability Services Drop-In Hours
Throughout the summer, Disability Services offers drop-in hours Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Weingarten Center (directions). Students can stop by and speak with a graduate assistant to address general questions about Disability Services, including how to start the registration process, how to complete a Semester Request, and assistance with scheduling tests. Students may also call 267-788-0030.
Renew Accommodations for the Current Semester
Students who are already approved for academic accommodations must renew them at the start of every new semester. This process gives students the chance to review their accommodations and decide which accommodations to activate for each of their current classes. Completing the Semester Request also sends a notification to their course instructors and allows them to review and sign the students’ accommodation letters. Complete your Semester Request through the MyWeingartenCenter student portal.
Request an Additional Accommodation
Students who are already approved for accommodations can request additional accommodations at any time during their Penn career by completing a Supplemental Accommodation Request. An additional accommodation may be needed when a student’s disability or medical condition changes over time, or when a new course presents unique accessibility barriers or challenges. Complete a Supplemental Accommodation Request through the MyWeingartenCenter student portal. After completing the Supplemental Accommodation Request, the student should also schedule a 25-minute follow-up appointment with their Disability Specialist to discuss the new request.
Testing Accommodations
Students who are approved for test-taking accommodations should speak with their course instructor early in the semester about how to handle these accommodations. Some course instructors prefer to arrange a place and time to give their exams with accommodations themselves. In many cases, it is preferable for the student to test through Disability Services.
Students who wish to take their accommodated tests through Disability Services must schedule each quiz, test, or exam at least eight days in advance through the MyWeingartenCenter student portal. All tests proctored through Disability Services will take place in the BioTech Commons (3610 Hamilton Walk). The Weingarten Center testing room is located one floor down from the main entrance on the blue level.
Disability Services offers drop-in hours every Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm in the Weingarten Center (220 South 40th St., Suite 260). Students can stop by and speak with a graduate assistant for test-scheduling assistance and questions.
Contact Testing Services with additional questions.
Note: Students in Penn Law, Penn Dental, Penn Vet, Perelman School of Medicine, MCIT Online, or Wharton MBA programs should make all arrangements for test accommodations with their School’s Disability Services liaison.
Sign Language Interpreting and Real-Time Transcription
Students who are approved for sign language interpreting or real-time transcription for communication access will receive these services through Disability Services. Disability Services staff will request the student’s class schedule at least one month in advance of the start of each semester and find coverage for each class meeting through one of the university-approved agencies. Requests for one-time events that require sign language interpreting or real-time transcription for a student can be directed to the Disability Services email account.
More information about the university’s guidelines for communication access can be found on the Web Accessibility website.