Remote Participation for Advisors

Welcome, Academic Advisors! We understand the importance of providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. This webpage aims to guide you through the process of accommodating students with disabilities who have barriers to attending courses in-person.

Most of the university’s academic programs have essential in-person components. However, remote participation (RP) may be approved as a reasonable temporary accommodation if a student’s disability means that they're unable to participate in person.  

Remote Participation-eligible students are approved for one quarter at a time and will need to be reviewed and approved for subsequent quarters. Approval is contingent upon determining feasibility for the student’s courses in collaboration with faculty and must not constitute a *fundamental alteration of learning objectives. 

Remote Participation is not intended to convert an in-person program into an all-virtual experience. DAC recognizes the potential for differential experiences of students engaging remotely in courses designed to be taught in-person. This means that technical difficulties and other factors will impact the educational experience.  Remote Participation isn't a 1:1 replacement for in-person classes.  

*While the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) ensures that public institutions, including WWU, are legally obligated to provide students any modification or adjustment to the academic environment that will enable a qualified student with a disability to participate, such modification must not fundamentally alter the nature of its service, program, or activity. (ADA Title II Technical Assistance Manual).

Faculty have a right to identify instances of their course objectives being fundamentally altered by accommodations and may deny accommodations only as a result upon engagement in a deliberative process with the DAC. 

  1. Student's Request:

    • Students must initiate the accommodation request by submitting an application for accommodations at disability.wwu.edu or by emailing their Access Manager.
    • The request should include relevant documentation of the disability and a clear explanation of the need for remote participation.

  2. Case-by-Case Assessment:

    • Each request is evaluated on an individual basis, considering the specific needs and challenges of the student.
    • Decisions are made collaboratively with input from the disability support services office, instructors, and relevant stakeholders.

  3. Quarterly Review:

    • Remote Participation accommodations are subject to periodic reassessment each quarter to ensure their ongoing necessity.

Course Learning Objectives: It's important to note that while we strive to make accommodations, the essence of the course and its learning objectives should remain unchanged. Remote Participation should not alter the fundamental components of the educational experience or compromise the integrity of the curriculum.

Remote Participation is typically an accommodation of last resort.  DAC and the student requesting Remote Participation will work closely with advisors to determine:

  • Whether organic online alternatives to the class already exist
    • DAC assistance with fees for online classes available 
  • If no online options are available, is the class required for the student's major? 
    • If so, is an Independent Study or course substitution feasible?
  • If the class must be completed and no organic alternatives are available, the course may be eligible for Remote Participation accommodations.  
    • Some courses may not be completed remotely 
    • In limited cases, the DAC may provide facilitation of Remote Participation services in the classroom.