Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 Coordinator

Disability and Accessibility Policies Training

The Disability and Accessibility Policies Training is a required training for all MSU employees that covers MSU’s obligations under disability laws and policies, explains each employee’s role in supporting employee and student accommodations, and covers principles of digital accessibility. The Ability LMS training page contains additional information and frequently asked questions regarding the training. Questions regarding the disability training should go to accessibility.training@msu.edu.

RCPD Disability & Accommodation Training

RCPD announces the creation of a self-enroll D2L course for MSU’s instructional staff. The primary purpose of the course is to help instructors become more informed about the experiences of disabled students and improve their effectiveness in facilitating accommodations.

MSU Digital Accessibility Training

Digital accessibility training is a great way to understand why accessibility is important, improve the accessibility of MSU content, and become familiar with MSU's Digital Accessibility Policy. The Digital Accessibility website contains numerous free asynchronous trainings on digital accessibility, which are available to MSU employees and students.

Barrier Free Access Statement

MSU is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. In this regard, MSU will continue to create and maintain an accessible physical environment. Barriers to access may be reported via the Accessibility Suggestion Form.

Requesting Accommodations and Academic Adjustments

If you are a student or employee at MSU, and you have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity, you can register with the RCPD and you may be eligible to receive accommodations. Please note this information is kept strictly confidential. Self-identification is voluntary. However, if you have a disability, not registering with the RCPD may delay or compromise the availability of accommodations. As many reasonable accommodations require significant pre-planning, registration with the RCPD prior to situations requiring accommodations is essential.

Accessible Housing

MSU offers a variety of housing options with accessible units and apartments throughout campus. Specific questions about accessible housing options should be discussed with an RCPD Specialist to determine which housing option will meet your needs.

Dining and Dietary Concerns

If you have dietary concerns, such as allergies or ingredient concerns, you should begin by consulting with the University Registered Dietitian. It may not be necessary to register with RCPD for dietary concerns, as the campus dietician can provide many resources to students to mitigate these concerns.

Commencement Accommodations

Early arrival is strongly suggested for those who have special accommodation needs and who are seeking barrier-free parking. The DOORS OPEN 1 HOUR before the ceremony start time. For disability accommodation questions, please contact the Breslin Center at (517) 432-1989.

Service Animal Policy

Michigan State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities and fulfilling obligations under State and Federal law. This Policy governs the use of service animals on campus by persons with disabilities.

Assistance Animal in University Housing Policy

A person may reside with a Service Animal in housing if the person has a disability and the animal meets the definition of a “Service Animal.” The Service Animal is permitted to accompany the resident to all areas of housing where residents are normally permitted to go.

Guide to Hosting Accessible and Inclusive Events

Hosting accessible and inclusive programs and events is not only a legal requirement, but the right thing to do. In addition, it is consistent with our values and in alignment with MSU's 2030 Excellence for Global Impact and Strategic Plan.

Digital Accessibility Policy

MSU is committed to facilitating access to university instruction, communication, research, and business processes while enhancing community building for the broadest possible audience. The university strives to employ principles of universal design and uses the Technical Guidelines and standards in the design, implementation, enhancement, and replacement of digital content and services. In doing so, MSU aims to improve access to both current and emerging technologies.

Digital Accessibility Team

The digital accessibility team leads digital accessibility initiatives and implementation at MSU. The digital accessibility team provides resources and tutorials for accessible web development, course, and content development, and reviews and evaluations of technology products and software for the MSU community.

The Digital Accessibility Team consists of Dennis Bond (Digital Accessibility Coordinator), Josie Davidson (Accessibility Review Coordinator), Kristoffer Bakken (Accessibility Data Programmer), and Liz McDaniel (Digital Accessibility Specialist).

Digital Accessibility Liaisons

The Digital Accessibility Liaisons are the primary accessibility representatives for each college and administrative unit. They are familiar with accessibility resources and policy compliance plans.

Annual Self-Reviews

In support of MSU’s commitment to digital accessibility, each Major Administrative Unit (MAU) is required to submit an Annual Self-Review. The Annual Self-Review process offers an opportunity for MAUs to report and assess changes in resource commitments, priorities, and approaches from year to year.

Technical Guidelines

MSU, in its commitment to providing accessible and usable digital content, has adopted the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at Conformance Level AA as its official Technical Guidelines. Digital accessibility compliance and remediation reports will be required.

Inaccessible Digital Content Report Form

Content that MSU has created that is not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities can be reported to the digital accessibility team through the inaccessible digital content report form.

Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy

The Disability & Reasonable Accommodation Policy sets forth the university’s obligations and the rights and responsibilities of students, faculty, instructors, staff, supervisors, colleges, departments, programs, schools, and units under applicable federal and state disability laws. The policy applies to all educational programs, employment practices, and operations of the university, and to the conduct of students, faculty, instructors, and staff that arises out of their employment or academic status, as well as to the conduct of all program participants, guests, patients, visitors, vendors, volunteers, contractors, subcontractors, and others who do business with the university.

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)

RCPD leads MSU in maximizing the ability and opportunity for full participation by qualified individuals with disabilities. RCPD assesses and documents disabilities, and academic and workplace needs, and builds and facilitates individual plans for reasonable accommodations for students, faculty, and staff.

2026 Calendar of Disability-Related Dates

Throughout the community, there is almost always something happening. Download this calendar to discover the many occasions, holidays, and awareness dates across 2026 in the US and globally.

October 2025

Please join us for MSU’s 2^nd Annual Disability Summit on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s summit will be a half-day event featuring keynote speaker, disability advocate, and author Haben Girma, networking opportunities, poster presentations and more.

In addition to this year’s in person event on October 3rd, there will be virtual sessions held on Fridays throughout the month of October to honor MSU Disability Pride Month and keep the conversations going.

Stay tuned - a full agenda coming soon! Registration opens Wednesday, September 3rd.

September 4, 2025

RCPD is hosting a disability kickoff Thursday, Sept. 4th from 5:00 - 6:30 pm! Drop by Bessey Hall, room 114 for a free slice of pizza and meet the people, organizations, and offices dedicated to disability inclusion and belonging at MSU!

May 15, 2025

The University of Minnesota, along with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Michigan are hosting a virtual event to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This year’s theme, "Committing to Change", is about moving beyond awareness to action. It’s about making accessibility an integral part of everything we do—from the way we communicate, design, and innovate, to how we create a more equitable future for everyone.

We invite passionate and knowledgeable individuals to contribute as speakers. Your insights and experiences are invaluable, and we believe they will greatly enrich our event. Find more information about the proposal criteria and the event on the GAAD website.

April 19, 2025

Neurodiversity Fair in the MSU Union Lake Huron Room! This event was created and developed by a committee of neurodiverse MSU students, for the MSU community.

This event will function much like a resource fair—each participant will have a table to showcase their work, interests, or resources to attendees. It’s a great opportunity to build connections, promote valuable resources, and explore the amazing contributions within our neurodiverse community.

If you're interested in participating, please complete this short form.

Student Requests Accommodation

• Student submits an accommodation request via the established MSU process.

Information Gathering from Student

• RCPD specialist gathers information from the student regarding:
  • The student’s accommodation request.
  • The disability-related barrier necessitating the requested accommodation.
  • The student’s disability, functional limitations and accommodation request.

Instructor Information and Feedback

• RCPD gathers relevant information from the instructor, including but not limited to:
  • Course syllabus, program requirements, course assignment sheets, handbooks, etc.
  • Course content, essential course components and learning outcomes.
  • Instructor’s response to the student’s accommodation request.
  • Instructor’s feedback on whether the requested accommodation impacts learning outcomes or impacts essential course requirements.

Consideration of Alternative Accommodations

• If the instructor feedback suggests that the requested accommodation impacts learning outcomes or essential course requirements, the RCPD Specialist:
  • Explores alternative accommodations with the instructor.
  • Based on feedback from the instructor and in consideration of the student's disability impacts, RCPD issues an Accommodation Letter with alternative accommodations.

RCPD Case Review

• If RCPD disagrees with the instructor’s feedback that the requested accommodation impacts learning outcomes or essential course or program requirements, the RCPD specialist presents the student’s accommodation request and the instructor feedback at Case Review to determine whether escalation to a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel (FARP) is necessary. (Case Review is an internal process used by RCPD to evaluate requested accommodations to determine if the accommodation is reasonable and necessary to ensure equal access to the educational program or activity.)
• The Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy defines a fundamental alteration as a substantial change in a course, program, service, or activity.
• A Fundamental Alteration Review Panel may be convened when the student is seeking:
  • A change in the design of a course from what is contained in the syllabus.
  • A change in the program of study from what is stated on the registrar’s website for the course or the program.
  • A change in the modality of the course or program.
  • A change in the sequence of courses in the program or course of study.
  • Any other change in the course/program that impacts learning outcomes or alters core course/program components.

• In most cases, the interactive process (RCPD’s gathering of information from the student and the instructor), eliminates the need to convene a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel.

• A Fundamental Alteration Review Panel is generally not required to evaluate the following types of accommodation requests because these accommodations generally support access without altering the fundamental nature of the course or program:
  • Extended time on exams.
  • Reduced distraction testing environment.
  • Note-taking assistance.
  • Use of assistive technology.
  • Permission to record lectures for personal use.
  • Accessible classroom furniture.
  • Alternative formats for course materials.
  • Breaks during class or exams for disability related reasons.
  • Preferential seating.
  • Use of a laptop or other device for notetaking.
  • Housing and campus life accommodations.
  • Any other accommodation request that does not alter core learning outcomes or course or program components.

• If Case Review determines that a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel is necessary, the relevant stakeholders are notified of the need for a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel. See Convening Fundamental Alteration Review Panel and Conducting Assessment below.

• Appeals of a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel determination are decided by an appeal to the ADA Coordinator and do not go not through Dispute Resolution.

Dispute Resolution

• In accord with the Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy, students, instructors, colleges, departments, programs, and units may file a Dispute Resolution from an RCPD Accommodation Letter granting or denying an accommodation.

• Dispute Resolution may result in the following outcomes:
  • Affirmed – the RCPD decision stands.
  • Reversed – the RCPD decision is overturned.
  • Referral to a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel – If a Fundamental Alteration Review panel was not previously convened, the issue is referred to a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel to determine whether the accommodation request fundamentally alters the nature of the course or program requirements.

ADA Coordinator Appeal

• In accord with the Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy, students, instructors, colleges, departments, programs, and units may appeal an RCPD Dispute Resolution decision or a determination of the Fundamental Alteration Review Panel to the ADA Coordinator.

• Outcomes of ADA Coordinator Appeal:
  • Affirmed – the Dispute Resolution or Fundamental Alteration Review Panel decision stands.
  • Reversed – the Dispute Resolution or Fundamental Alteration Review Panel decision is overturned.
  • Referral to a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel – if a Fundamental Alteration Review panel was not previously convened, the issue is referred to a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel to determine whether the accommodation request fundamentally alters the nature of the course or program requirements.

Convening a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel and Conducting the Assessment

• RCPD will inform the college dean, department chair or program director that it is necessary to convene a Fundamental Alteration Review Panel.
• The college dean, department chair or program director will designate two - three faculty members from the same college who have knowledge of the subject matter of the course or program to serve as members of the Fundamental Alteration Review Panel. One of the members selected may be a faculty administrator. The college dean, department chair or program director may serve as one of the faculty members that comprise the panel.
• RCPD will select one faculty member to serve on the Fundamental Alteration Review Panel who is not from the same college.
• RCPD will be present for all gatherings of the Fundamental Alteration Review Panel to ensure understanding of what a fundamental alteration is and is not, clarify expectations under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and to ensure the Panel discusses and considers alternative accommodations.
• The Fundamental Alteration Review Panel may consider information gathered from instructors, the student, advisors, curriculum committee members and others as determined necessary by the Panel. To expedite the Panel’s review, information may be presented in person, virtually or electronically.
• The Fundamental Alteration Review Panel may review and consider the following information:
  • Course syllabus, assignment sheets, handbooks, and other materials establishing course/program requirements.
  • Written or oral statements provided by instructors, the student, advisor, curriculum committee, others as deemed relevant.
  • Any medical documentation provided to support the request. The Panel may request additional medical documentation if necessary to determine the extent of the student’s limitations related to the course requirements. Each panel member must maintain the confidentiality of the medical information and may only share it with university officials with a legitimate education need to know.
  • Any other relevant information as determined by the Panel.

• The Fundamental Alteration Review Panel determines whether a requested accommodation fundamentally alters essential course or program requirements or is an undue administrative or financial burden. If the Panel determines that a requested accommodation fundamentally alters the course or program or is an undue administrative or financial burden, the Panel will discuss and consider alternative accommodations.
• The Fundamental Alteration Review Panel issues a written decision providing the reasons for the decision, including identification of alternative accommodations.
• The Fundamental Alteration Review Panel’s decision will be issued within fourteen (14) business days of RCPD’s notification of the need to convene a panel. This timeframe may be extended for good cause.
• The ADA Coordinator will maintain the most current version of this procedure on the ADA Coordinator’s website. RCPD’s website will provide a link to this procedure.

Date: January 5, 2026

Procurement and Development of Digital Content

It is the responsibility of every MSU unit to comply with the MSU Digital Accessibility Policy when designing, building, or purchasing websites, software, and other digital products and services. Digital accessibility compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the purchasing unit. Resources are available to assist MSU units while they verify a product's digital accessibility compliance and work with vendors to remediate any identified issues.

This form is used by students, employees, colleges, departments, units, and supervisors appealing a final accommodation determination of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities or the Accommodation Specialist in the Office of Employee Relations to grant or deny an accommodation. Appeals must be filed within 30 calendar days of RCPD/Office of Employee Relations final accommodation determination. Appeals are filed with the ADA and Section 504 Coordinator.

Reasonable Accommodation Appeal Form (html)