Disability and Access Support - Student Affairs - For Current Students

Academic Accommodations: What Are They?

Academic accommodations are crafted to reduce and eliminate barriers in the learning environment – ensuring equal access and full opportunities for students with disabilities to be successful in their program/course of study.

Every year, we hear from students who say they wish they had applied for accommodations, however they feared doing so due to stigma. We are here to say there is no stigma. We are pro-accommodations/accommodations positive. 

If you would like to receive an academic accommodation, we recommend applying before you arrive at Darden to ensure you are set up for success as early as possible, and before the intensity of Core begins. Please note that the application process and any accommodations granted are confidential.

Who May Receive An Academic Accommodation?

Broadly speaking, an academic accommodation may be appropriate for any student experiencing a degree of limitation on some or many of their daily activities. Below is a partial list of what may qualify for an academic accommodation:

• Psychological conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, or post-traumatic stress disorders
• Health conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, or asthma  
• Neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as Dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD
• Physical disabilities, such as deafness or mobility limitations 
• Eyesight limitations on seeing text on screens from the back of a classroom 
• Injuries such as a broken ankle or concussion

Examples of Accommodations

• Extra time on exams 
• Reduced distraction environment for exams and quizzes
• Ability to record classes for review or access to tools and technology provided by SDAC
• Preferential classroom seating (for eyesight, physical injury, or easy access to a restroom.)
• Ability to take breaks
• And many more

How Can I Get Started? 

If you are someone who would benefit from SDAC accommodations, please take this time to gather your documentation for the process. As part of the evaluation process, most accommodations require medical documentation/paperwork from a physician that can verify your condition(s.) We would recommend doing this in advance of the start of the school year so you can hit the ground running! Do not let the paperwork discourage you from pursuing the process/meeting with SDAC! You are also welcomed and encouraged to reach out to SDAC to have any questions answered/complete any preliminary steps to initiate the process.

SDAC Contact

Email: SDAC@virginia.edu

Phone: (434) 243-5180

Website (with application and details on the process): https://www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/SDAC

Darden Contacts

Ed Warwick, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Full-Time MBA Program

(e): warwicke@darden.virginia.edu 

(p): (434) 243-5332

Darden Disability Alliance is a student group at Darden here to support all students with disabilities: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/culture-community/clubs-organizations/disability-alliance