Services for Students with Disabilities
Centenary University is committed to full academic participation for persons with disabilities. It is the policy that no qualified person will be excluded from participating in any University program or activity, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination with regard to any University program or activity. This policy derives from the commitment to non-discrimination for all persons in employment, access to facilities, student programs, activities, and services. Achieving full participation and integration of people with disabilities requires the cooperative efforts of all departments, offices and personnel. To this end, Centenary University continues to strive to achieve excellence in its services and to assure that its services are delivered equitably and efficiently to all members of its campus community. Assurance of equal academic participation rests upon legal foundations established by federal law, specifically the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 including Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. By federal law, a person with a disability is any person who: 1. has a physical or mental impairment; 2. has a record of such impairment; 3. is regarded as having such an impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, or learning. Any student who has a disability is encouraged to self-identify and seek assistance through the Disabilities Services Office.
The Disabilities Services Office
In accordance with federal mandates, Centenary University provides reasonable accommodations and ensures accessibility for all students with disabilities through its Disabilities Services Office (DSO), located in the Harris and Betts Smith Learning Center. We recognize and challenge the potential of every student. Therefore, the mission of our Disabilities Services Office is to provide students with disabilities the necessary tools, reasonable accommodations and support services to fully participate in the academic environment. The staff assists each student to help maximize their potential for success while promoting self-awareness, independence, and self-advocacy. They also work closely with eligible students to afford each individual equal access to employment, educational opportunities, activities and programs.
What Services are Available?
Services are determined on an individual basis and may include, along with others, arranging for academic accommodations such as access to classrooms or extended time testing; providing instructional support, tutorial assistance, academic counseling; arranging for auxiliary aides such as audio books or note taking services, and specialized computer equipment and software.
Determining Eligibility for Services
Prior to the provision of accommodations and related services, students must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation to the Director of Disability Services. Depending on the nature of the disability and the accommodation requested, the amount of advanced notice may impact upon the University’s ability to provide reasonable accommodations in a timely fashion. For this reason, students are encouraged to arrange for accommodations at the beginning of each semester.
Contact Information for the Disability Services Office:
Michelle Meyer
Dean of Disability Services
Phone: (908)852-1400, ext. 2251
FAX: (908)979-4277
michelle.meyer02@centenaryuniversity.edu
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
8:30am-4:30pm EST