Frequently Asked Questions

 

If a student registers with Disability Support Services, will that show up on their academic record?
No. All disability documentation and information related to a student with a disability are stored confidentially and will not be reflected anywhere on the student’s academic records.
Are there separate admission standards for students with disabilities?
No. Students with disabilities must meet the same admission standards.
When and where do I send my disability documentation?
We encourage applicants for admission to send a copy of their disability documentation to the Office of Disability Support Services after the admissions process is completed and the student has decided to attend FDU. For students new to FDU or for existing students who wish to apply for adjustments/accommodations, documentation must be submitted by the following dates to allow a reasonable timeframe to accurately assess and approve adjustments/accommodations before the first day of classes:
  • Fall Semester: July 1st
  • Spring Semester: January 2nd
Students can submit their documentation by uploading it to the secure online portal (myDSS), mailing it, or faxing it to the DSS office.
  • To upload documentation to myDSS please use the file upload link that was emailed to the student after completing the online application. This link will be sent to the email address provided in the application.
  • Mail documentation to the following address:
    Office of Disability Support Services
    Fairleigh Dickinson University
    1000 River Road, T-RH5-03
    Teaneck, NJ 07666
  • Fax documentation to (201) 692-2425
Once applications are completed (i.e., an online application accompanied by supporting documentation) they will be reviewed by the Office of Disability Support Services.
If a student is receiving adjustments/accommodations elsewhere, will the student automatically qualify for the same at FDU?
No. The Office of Disability Support Services reviews a student’s disability documentation according to FDU’s guidelines. Therefore, students may or may not qualify for the same adjustments/accommodations at FDU that they have received elsewhere. For this reason, they are required to send a copy of their disability documentation to the Office of Disability Support Services.
Does the Office of Disability Support Services provide assistance for a temporary disability?
Yes. DSS provides academic adjustments/accommodations for a temporary disability. Adjustments/accommodations may differ from person to person depending on the student’s disability.
What is the difference between the Office of Disability Support Services and the Regional Center for Learning Disabilities in terms of providing academic adjustments/accommodations?
The Office of Disability Support Services provides academic adjustments/accommodations for students who have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits a major life activity, including learning, whereas, the Regional Center specifically focuses on the needs of students with language-based learning disabilities.
For both departments, students must first be accepted to FDU through the general admission process. Admission to the Regional Center program is through a separate application process. The Regional Center provides individualized attention, tutorial support, and academic advising for students with language-based learning disabilities. Students accepted into the Regional Center program will receive all of their academic adjustments/accommodations from that program.
In the event a student is not accepted to the Regional Center and the student is accepted at the university, the student can apply for academic adjustments/accommodations from the Office of Disability Support Services.