The University of the South is committed to fostering respect for the diversity of the School of Theology community and the individual rights of each member of that community. In this spirit, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University seeks to provide disabled students with the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the School of Theology. While the School of Theology provides services to support the academic work of all its students, additional accommodations can be made specifically for students with learning disabilities (LD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other properly diagnosed and documented disabilities covered by these Acts.

Learning Disabilities

Verification services for students with LD/ADHD at Sewanee are coordinated through the University Counseling Service (931.598.1325) located at 1310 University Avenue, next to Southern Tennessee Regional Healthcare. A counseling service psychologist talks with individual students to determine specific needs and to identify appropriate accommodations and resources, and recommended modifications. All incoming students with previously diagnosed LD/ADHD are encouraged to make an appointment with the associate dean for community life as early as possible in their seminary career. They will be subsequently advised to provide copies of relevant documentation to the University counselor and to meet with a counseling service psychologist. Documentation must include an evaluation that covers the criteria for and establishes the diagnosis of the condition in question and must be reviewed for approval by the University counselor. Any student who suspects he or she may have an undiagnosed learning disability or attention deficit or is uncertain about a previous diagnosis is welcome to consult with associate dean for community life, who will then refer them to the staff of the University counseling service consultation and subsequent evaluation as necessary. Students with LD/ADHD, as determined and/or confirmed by the University counseling service, are expected to discuss arrangements that might be necessary with their professors at the beginning of each semester. When the University counselor determines or confirms a diagnosis of LD/ADHD, the counselor gives the student a letter specifying the accommodations that should be made for the student. The student should share copies of this letter with his or her professors, so that they can make appropriate accommodations in their courses. A copy should also be submitted to the School of Theology coordinator of academic affairs for inclusion in the student’s academic file.

Assistance for the Medically Disabled

Students seeking assistance based upon a medical disability must submit appropriate diagnostic documentation related to the disability to and meet with the associate dean for community life. After review of submitted materials, decisions will be made about accommodations, if appropriate.

Access for the Physically Disabled

The location of some campus facilities may be inaccessible to some disabled students. These students should check with the office of the associate dean for community life to obtain help in dealing with specific needs related to those facilities.

Students needing help with other disabilities should contact the associate dean for community life and the University Health Services office at 931.598.1270.

The School of Theology provides access to limited-time professional counseling services for students and their family members seeking assistance with various concerns—academic, social, emotional, or interpersonal. Discussions between students or family members and their health or service providers are confidential and information cannot be disclosed except in rare situations as required by law, or at the student’s request. This includes not disclosing health information to University officials or dioceses. Inquiries should be directed to the office for community life, located in Hamilton Hall, 931.598.1655.