Important Information for Professors

The Student Accessibility Services team collaborates with faculty and staff across campus to support students with disabilities and ensure equitable, accessible learning environments.

If you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with us, please contact the SAS Office at accessibility@ubishops.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions from Professors

How do students register with SAS?

Students register with SAS through the Accommodate Portal. They then meet with an Accessibility Specialist, discuss their barriers, and needs. Students provide valid documentation from a licensed professional. Depending on the nature of the disability, this registration may be permanent or temporary.

How can I find out if a student in my class is registered with SAS?

Professors can access this information through the Accommodate Portal. Students ARE NOT required to disclose or discuss their situation with professors. You will receive a notification when a student is registered for an exam in the SAS exam room.

How can I get advice regarding a student I’m concerned about?

Professors are welcome to contact SAS to discuss general concerns they may have and learn about our supports and processes for accommodations. Please note that due to confidentiality reasons, we cannot discuss or disclose information regarding specific students without their written consent.

Can I refer a student to SAS?

Professors can recommend that students contact SAS if they notice that the student is experiencing barriers that may be disability related. They can also contact the SAS Team at accessibilty@ubishops.ca to learn more about our services and discuss a complex situation.

How do I contact the SAS exam office?

The Student Accessibility Student Services Coordinator (exam coordinator) can be reached at exams@ubishops.ca or 819-822-9600 extension 2134. The SAS Exam Room can be reached at 819-822-9600 extension 2536.

What are the SAS opening hours?

SAS is open Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the Fall and Winter semesters.

Hours vary during the Spring and Summer semesters. The SAS exam room is open as needed, depending on course and exam schedules.

What do I need to do when a student in my class needs a note-taker?

Note-takers are recruited by SAS. A student in the class will take notes and upload a copy to the Accommodate portal notetaking module. If no note-taker is found, SAS may contact you asking for support in finding one.

Does SAS have a statement I can include in my course outlines/syllabi to draw attention to SAS services?

Feel free to use the following Student Accessibility Services (SAS) statement in course outlines/syllabi:

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps ensure that all students living with disabilities have equitable access to their education at Bishop’s University.  They arrange for reasonable accommodations as mandated by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.  For more information about registering for accommodations, please visit the SAS myBU page and SAS website: https://www.ubishops.ca/student-services/student-accessibility-services/

Are there ways to make my course outlines/syllabi more accessible?

The following features help to make course outlines/syllabi more accessible:

• Use Microsoft Word or tagged PDFs, which are read more easily by assistive technology.
• Use headings, subheadings, and lists to organize information clearly.
• Use accessible fonts, including (but not limited to) Ariel, Veranda, Calibri, Tahoma, Open Sans.
• Use accessible font size, including size 12 or larger for text.