New Students

Prospective applicants interested in learning more about Wheaton’s Accessibility Services are invited to review our web pages, and schedule a phone call to discuss general questions and get information about our support services. Students and their families are also invited to schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services when they are on campus to interview with the Office of Admission or during Visiting Days for a general overview of Accessibility Services.

Specific accommodations for enrolled students are determined on an individual basis ahead of each semester, once a student has registered with Accessibility Services and has registered for classes.

Registering with Accessibility Services

Students wishing to be considered for accommodations offered through Accessibility Services, must complete the following steps:

Submit Intake Form:
Once enrolled at Wheaton, students begin their registration with Accessibility Services by completing the Accessibility Services Registration form, and submitting the form to [email protected].
Submit Comprehensive Disability Documentation.
Please refer to the relevant documentation guidelines for assistance in providing documentation that is appropriate to verify eligibility and support accommodation requests. Please submit a copy of your documentation, and be sure to retain the original.
Learning Disability Documentation Guidelines
Medical Provider Form (pdf)
Mental Health Provider Form (pdf)

While most documentation can support academic accommodations for a student’s entire enrollment period at Wheaton, please note that student must submit updated documentation for disabling conditions of a changing or episodic nature. Students must submit a Housing Accommodation Request each year by the stated deadline.

Schedule a Meeting with our Accessibility Services Team.
Please email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. During the meeting, students will provide information about their disability and how it may have an impact on the student in our college environment. This is also an opportunity for students to become acquainted with other services and supports that are offered at Wheaton. Related policies and procedures will be reviewed, along with the rights and responsibilities of students, faculty, and Accessibility Services.
- A Note on Accommodations:
  Once your meeting with Accessibility Services is complete, you may request academic accommodations by submitting a specific accommodation request form each semester. Please note that accommodations do not carry over from one semester to another and prior letters may not be given to faculty for current courses, so it is the student’s responsibility to access Accommodate and submit the Semester Request for the specific semester at the start of each semester. If students are requesting additional or different accommodations, they must submit a Supplemental Request through Accommodate.

After submission of the Semester Request Form, students receive an Accommodation Letter via their Wheaton email. Students then print the letter and give it to each faculty member, preferably during their scheduled office hours. Letters must be delivered at the start of the semester, but always well in advance of the need for accommodations which often require prior planning by faculty and staff. It’s important to note that accommodations are not active until the student delivers the Accommodation Letter to each faculty member and meets with each professor to make the practical arrangements for each accommodation. Accommodations are not retroactive.

Emergency Evacuation Needs: Students who may require assistance in an emergency evacuation are urged to identify themselves directly to Campus Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wheaton have a separate disabilities program?

No. Students are mainstreamed and disability/accessibility support services are provided on a request basis for students with a documented disability.

Are there evening hours?

The Filene Center for Academic Advising and Accessibility is open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. throughout the year and can be reached anytime at [email protected].

Is there a special orientation for students with disabilities?

Yes. The College offers a two day pre-orientation program for students with disabilities called Abilities 1st! Pre-Orientation. Students can elect to move on campus two days prior to the freshman class and participate in a small group orientation program.

What kind of Assistive Technology is available for students?

We have a lot of AT, including software to assist in reading, notetaking, and exams.

Is priority registration available? Who helps students with registration?

This is determined on a case by case basis which is coordinated through Accessibility Services and the Office of the Registrar.

Is there proctoring for exams where students can have exams read to them?

Wheaton has an Honor Code thus a proctoring system for exams is not available, however, there is a testing room in the Filene Center with reader/scribing supports. If you are interested in taking a test in this room, please let us know by e-mailing [email protected].

Can students take a reduced course load if necessary?

Any Wheaton student may meet petition from a full course load of four courses to three courses. Students with disabilities may qualify but should meet with their Student Success advisor to discuss the impact of this decision on other issues, such as housing and class year.

Is there one-to-one tutoring available for students with disabilities?

Academic content tutoring is available through a peer group format conducted by students who have been screened by the specific academic department and recommended. However for writing, there are tutors and faculty associates who provide one-to-one services for all students. Please visit the Filene Center for Academic Advising for more information. The Accessibility Specialist is available to work one on one with students to assist in time management and assignment planning.

Is there a foreign language and/or math waiver?

Waivers are not permitted however students can petition for a foreign language substitution. There is not a waiver for the math requirement, however there are courses which integrate math concepts within a discipline. This is a viable option for students who do not require a standard math course for their major. For students who are not math and/or foreign language majors, Wheaton allows students to transfer credits earned as long as it meets the departments’ criteria.

How do I make a request for housing accommodations?

Visit the Housing Accommodations Procedures and Guidelines page and complete a Housing Accommodation Request Form online. Note the due dates for processes. Students must apply for housing accommodations every school year.