If you’re a student registered with AEO, you probably know that AEO isn’t the best at getting accommodation letters out as soon as we would like.  For example, even when one student tried to get her forms in before the semester started, the office was not open until the first day of classes and she was not able to actually receive accommodations until two weeks into the semester.  This brings up the following questions:

1. Should getting your accommodation letter early be an accommodation?

Maybe some students don’t have an issue with receiving accommodation letters a couple weeks into classes. But there are surely some who do.  What about the student with extended time on exams who has a quiz within the first few weeks of class? The student with a note taker who does not begin receiving notes until well into the semester? Or the student who records lectures? Could he or she not begin recording lectures until a couple weeks into class? Maybe AEO should consider having a box for students to check off if they feel the need to receive their accommodation letter at a sooner date.  Although, who wouldn’t want to check off that box?

2. Should AEO consider allotting the time necessary before the first day of classes to have accommodation letters returned to students by the first day of classes?

What would be the benefits of doing so? Well, as a start, meetings between professors and students about accommodation letters could be held right away, even during the first week of class.  Then, students would be able to begin receiving accommodations as early as needed.

Unfortunately, we are only students and we cannot hire the extra staff member or two we all know AEO needs.  Here, however, are some coping strategies for dealing with late accommodation letters.

1. Write to your professors. Let them know that your accommodation letter is coming and that you will be contacting them to arrange a meeting with them soon.  If there is an accommodation that you will need before you have received your letter, let them know. Ask if he or she would be willing to grant you this accommodation prior to receiving your letter.  Keep in mind that your professor may need confirmation from AEO.

2. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, consider writing a note to AEO explaining why it is important for you to get your accommodation letter as soon as possible.  If there is an assignment on your syllabus that may pose a problem if you do not have your accommodation letter, tell them.