Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Rhode Island College have different admissions criteria for students with disabilities?
• What is the procedure for obtaining accommodations at Rhode Island College?
• Does Rhode Island College provide testing to determine learning disabilities?
• What type of support or assistance will I receive at RIC?
• Do the residence halls accommodate students with disabilities?
• Are students with temporary health conditions provided accommodations?
• Will my disability information be confidential?

Does Rhode Island College have different admissions criteria for students with disabilities?

While Rhode Island College takes all of your information into consideration, legally, we can only make admission decisions with the set of guidelines established for all students. Contact the Office of Admissions at 401-456-8234 or admissions@ric.edu for specific admission requirements.

What is the procedure for obtaining accommodations at Rhode Island College?

Once accepted to the College, students with documented disabilities who want to request reasonable accommodations should contact the Disability Services Office to make an appointment with the Coordinator. The student must disclose his/her disability and register with the Disability Services Office during this appointment. At that time, the student will be informed of the policies and procedures regarding accommodations. Normally students who need physical accessibility accommodations and/or use of sign language interpreters should request accommodations as soon as possible but no less than two weeks before the beginning of the semester. Students seeking testing or other classroom accommodations should register with the office as soon as possible and at least within the first two weeks of the semester. Students should meet with the Coordinator for each semester that accommodations are requested.

Does Rhode Island College provide testing to determine learning disabilities?

Rhode Island College does not provide testing for disability verification. The Disability Services Office at Rhode Island College does not endorse or recommend evaluators, but provides a listing of evaluators for the convenience of the students. The list is not comprehensive or exhaustive, and the student is, of course, responsible for payment of all charges incurred.

What type of support or assistance will I receive at RIC?

Students with documented disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations which are determined on an individual basis. The accommodations are based upon information provided in the student’s documentation of their disability. Additionally, the Office of Academic Support and Information Services provides all students with academic support and advising services.

Do the residence halls accommodate students with disabilities?

Students whose disability requires them to have housing accommodations should register in the Disability Services Office as a student with a disability and contact the Office of Residential Life and Housing at housing@ric.edu.

Are students with temporary health conditions provided accommodations?

While temporary health conditions do not qualify for protection under the law, Rhode Island College nevertheless attempts to assist students who need temporary accommodations.

Will my disability information be confidential?

Yes, all documentation is generally treated as confidential medical information and is therefore governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).