Noel Center Student Handbook

Academic Accommodations

Gardner-Webb University provides a comprehensive system of accommodations that enables students with disabilities access to the University community. Reasonable accommodations are determined based on current documentation, and other supporting information and are made on a case-by-case basis. It is generally considered non-discriminatory to adhere to academic standards that are essential to a course of study. Each student will be assigned an accessibility advisor who will assist with the arrangements for accommodations. The accessibility advisors adhere to the Association of Higher Education and Disability Code of Ethics.

Record Maintenance and Confidentiality

Policy

The Noel Center is the designated office at Gardner-Webb University to receive and review disability documentation. This office is also responsible with keeping disability related records in a secure and confidential manner. Records of students with disabilities are maintained with the Noel Center for seven (7) years after the last semester of enrollment. Documents that relate to the student’s disability are not part of the academic record in the Registrar’s Office. The Family Rights and Educational Privacy Act (FERPA) govern disability documentation and related information and the release of this information. Information regarding FERPA may be found on the GWU Records and Registration webpage.

Procedure

  • The student has the opportunity to indicate his/her preference regarding release of information in the AIM Module. The student may amend these permissions at any time.
  • The Noel Center keeps all records under lock.
  • To release confidential records to professionals outside the university, the student must sign the Authorization to Release Confidential Records Form.
  • After seven (7) years, documentation and case notes will be destroyed.
  • Student workers are not permitted access to student documentation or case notes.
  • All student workers and graduate assistants must sign a Confidentiality Form.

Faculty Notification

Policy

The student initiates faculty notification and disclosure of the disability is at the discretion of the student.

Procedure

  • The traditional undergraduate student should meet with his/her accessibility advisor within the first two weeks of class each semester to ensure timely delivery of services.
  • The student in the DCP/Divinity/Graduate Schools may contact his/her accessibility advisor face-to-face or via email, phone or skype.
  • The student and his/her accessibility advisor will determine appropriate accommodations and prepare the Faculty Notification Letter.
  • The student may decide to have the Faculty Notification Letter sent via email or may choose to hand deliver the letter.

Priority Registration

Policy

Students with specific scheduling needs, if supported by documentation may qualify for priority registration regardless of his/her academic classification. The Noel Center does not guarantee the student will receive his/her desired schedule or choice of faculty

Procedure

  • The student should discuss his/her class schedule with his/her academic advisor prior to the beginning of registration and obtain a registration pin number.
  • The student should register the first day of registration regardless of academic classification.