Documentation Criteria

Students requesting academic accommodations must submit documentation to the Office of Disability Services as part of the accommodation request process. Saint Peter’s University uses this documentation to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations in accordance with New Jersey state and federal law.

Submission of documentation initiates an interactive process between the student and the Office of Disability Services. Documentation is one component of this process and is used in combination with the student’s self-report and a review of the essential requirements of the academic program. The University makes the final determination regarding reasonable accommodations.

General Documental Guidelines

Documentation must be completed by a qualified professional who is licensed or otherwise properly credentialed, has appropriate training and experience related to the student’s condition, and has no close personal relationship with the student being evaluated.

Documentation should:

• Clearly identify the presence of a disability or medical condition
• Describe how the condition substantially limits one or more major life activities, particularly within a university setting
• Provide information that assists the University in determining reasonable academic accommodations

Documentation should be current enough to reflect the student’s present level of functioning. As a general guideline, documentation completed within the past five (5) years is recommended. For conditions that are permanent or non-changing, older documentation may be acceptable. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services with questions regarding documentation currency.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans from K-12 institutions may be submitted as supporting documentation; however, these plans do not automatically transfer to the university setting.

Healthcare Provider Documentation Requirements

Documentation must be provided using the Certification of Health Care Provider Form or as a comprehensive diagnostic.

All documentation must:

• Be on official letterhead
• Include the provider’s name, title, credentials, and contact information
• Be signed and dated

Documentation should include:

• Relevant medical or disability history
• Current treatments or supports, such as medications, therapies, or assistive devices
• Functional impact, including how your disability affects major life activities and academic performance
• Accommodation considerations, such as:
  • Nature, severity, and expected duration of the condition
  • Activities that are limited
  • How the condition impacts academic tasks
  • Why certain accommodations may be helpful

Provider recommendations are considered but do not guarantee approval. All accommodations are determined through the interactive process and must be reasonable within the University’s academic standards.

Confidentiality

All disability-related documentation is kept confidential and stored separately from academic records. Information is shared only as needed to implement approved accommodations.

Need Help or Waiting for Documentation?

Students who do not yet have documentation, are in the process of obtaining updated documentation, or have questions are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services at accommodations@saintpeters.edu. In some cases, temporary or provisional accommodations may be considered while documentation is under review.