Affiliating with the Disability Resource Center

Student Resources

At the University of Northern Colorado, we recognize disability as a natural part of diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all students. This includes individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, physical and sensory disabilities, mental health and chronic health conditions, and temporary disabilities, among others.

The DRC offers two pathways to affiliate with our office — Blue, Accelerated Affiliation and Gold, Standard Affiliation — so students can choose the process that best fits their needs. 

 

 

Affiliation Methods

Blue, Accelerated Affiliation (No Meeting Required)

This option may be appropriate if: 

  • You know the specific accommodations you’re requesting 
  • You have documentation that supports those accommodations 
  • You have previous experience with accommodations (e.g., from high school, another college, etc.)
     

In this pathway, communication typically occurs via email, and no consultation meeting is required. The Accelerated Affiliation is limited to specific accommodations listed on our website and is not for students in graduate or professional programs, for students not currently enrolled in classes, or those seeking Housing/Dining/Emotional Support Animal accommodations.  

Choosing Accelerated Affiliation does not lock you into those accommodations indefinitely. If your access needs shift over time, you can always reach out to your assigned Access Coordinator to schedule a consultation and explore additional supports.

Blue, Accelerated Affiliation Accommodations 

Students who pursue the Accelerated Affiliation pathway may request accommodations from the following categories: 

Testing Accommodations

  • Extended testing time (1.25x/1.5x)
  • Small group, distraction-reduced testing environment

Note-Taking Accommodations

  • Permission to audio record lectures
  • Advanced access to course materials
  • Use of an electronic device (laptop/tablet) for note-taking

Classroom Accommodations

  • Priority seating
  • Breaks as needed
  • Use of food, beverages, or medical devices during class

Gold, Standard Affiliation (Meeting with an Access Coordinator Required)

This option includes a 50-minute access consultation (via phone, in person, or Zoom/Teams) with an Access Coordinator. It’s a great fit for students who: 

  • Are unsure which accommodations may be most supportive 
  • Have more nuanced access needs 
  • Would benefit from a conversation about what access and inclusion could look like at UNC
     

During this consultation, your Access Coordinator will ask questions to learn more about your experiences and goals, identify potential barriers, and work with you to determine reasonable accommodations. You’ll also receive support connecting to relevant campus resources.

Steps to Request Accommodations

Complete the Initial Consultation Form

After reviewing the affiliation options, complete the Initial Consultation Form and indicate if you’d like to be considered for the Blue, Accelerated Affiliation.  

Monitor Your UNC Bear Email

After submitting your form, check your UNC Bear email regularly for updates from the DRC, including important next steps and appointment scheduling details.

If You Selected Gold, Standard Affiliation:

  • If your documentation is missing or additional information is needed, we will email you to request that.
  • You’ll receive an email with the subject line “Schedule an Access Consultation” from your assigned Access Coordinator. This will include a link to set up your 50-minute consultation.

If You Selected Blue, Accelerated Affiliation

  • Once your application and documentation are reviewed, we will notify you of the outcome.
  • If accommodations are approved through this process, you will receive an email outlining your approved accommodations and next steps.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Disability Resource Center provides students and parents the opportunity to review Student Rights and Responsibilities before meeting with our staff. The DRC staff will review these documents in more detail with the student. In addition to providing notification and documenting the need for accommodation(s), students with disabilities also have the following rights and responsibilities:

Rights

  • to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from courses, programs, services or activities;
  • to an equal opportunity to work and to learn, to receive reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services;
  • to the assurance that all disability-related records will be confidential and maintained separately from college/university records.

Responsibilities

  • to meet qualifications and maintain essential institutional standards for courses, programs, services or activities;
  • to initiate all requests for accommodations and services;
  • to give institutions advance notice of needed accommodation(s).

Documentation accepted at this university might not be accepted by other institutions, agencies and/or programs (e.g. testing agencies, licensure exams, certification programs). Please check with the specific institutions and/or programs to determine their documentation requirements.