Procedure for Reasonable Substitution and Waiver Requests
Any Vernon College student with a disability who wishes to request a reasonable substitution or a waiver for a course should adhere to the following procedure:
I. The student must submit evidence of a documented disability written by a qualified professional. The documentation must verify that a disability exists and that it impacts major life functions in a way that impairs the student’s ability to successfully complete the course(s) in question.
II. After the documentation is reviewed and the individual is considered qualified under the ADA, the student must submit in writing to the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) the following:
A. Proof that the documented disability is reason for the failure to meet the educational or class requirement for which the substitution or waiver is requested.
B. An expert’s written opinion that a course substitution or waiver is warranted.
C. A copy of the student’s transcript, including test scores and transfer information.
III. Once all required information is submitted, the OSD Coordinator will convene a committee within five class days of receiving the information. The committee will consist of the following people:
A. The Division Chair in charge of the student’s declared or certified major area
B. One faculty member representing the subject area to be substituted or waived
C. OSD Coordinator
D. A Vernon College counselor
IV. The committee’s recommendation regarding this request shall be put in writing. It shall include the rationale of the decision, and in cases where a substitution is approved, shall recommend a specific substitution. All course substitutions must conform to the principle of “reasonable accommodations” and follow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules.
V. The OSD Coordinator will forward the decision to the Vice President of Instructional Services within five class days. The Vice President of Instructional Services will make a final decision and forward that decision to the OSD Coordinator within five days. The OSD Coordinator will contact the student within five days of the final decision.
VI. Grievance Procedure
A student who is denied a substitution/waiver may follow the Vernon College ADA Grievance Procedure outlined in the Vernon College Student Handbook.
Please contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) on the Vernon Campus if you have questions.
Location: Wright Library, Room 217, Vernon Campus Phone: (940) 552-6291, ext. 2308
Fax: (940) 552-6387