Learning Disabilities and Accommodations

In keeping with its mission- Concordia University is committed to the full access and inclusion of all qualified students and its program. Disabilities & Learning Services (DLS) coordinates reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). If you are an individual with a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodation. To be considered for accommodations students need to contact the DLS Coordinator to schedule an appointment and submit proper documentation.

Any student with a documented learning, physical or mental disability who feels their disability may impact academic success may be qualified to receive accommodation. Students needing academic adjustments are required to contact Liisa Ferguson, Learning Services Coordinator, no later than the second Friday of the semester for which you are seeking accommodation. All discussions will remain confidential. Should an issue arise mid-semester, students should contact the DLS Coordinator as soon as possible. However, not all mid-semester requests can be guaranteed. Once your learning needs have been established and upon your consent, the DLS Coordinator will work with you, your professors and academic advisor, to obtain appropriate learning accommodations.

Liisa Ferguson's office is located in Student Services, Mary Neils Building, and can be reached by calling 503-280-8515, or by email at lferguson@cu-portland.edu.

Steps to Receiving Accommodations

  1. Complete and submit an Accommodations Request Form to the DLS Coordinator
  2. Submit appropriate documentation (see Documentation Guidelines below)
  3. Make an appointment with the DLS Coordinator no later than the second Friday of the semester to guaranteed accommodations to review and discuss accommodations
  4. Implementation of Accommodations
  5. Continued communication with DLS Coordinator concerning requested accommodations for each academic semester

Documentation Requirements*

  1. Documentation must be completed by a qualified professional to assess and determine disability (i.e. psychiatrist, psychologist, doctor)
  2. Documentation must be no more than 5 years old
  3. Documentation must adequately describe the disability that could prevent academic success, and provide recommendations for accommodations. High school IEPs cannot be accepted as documentation.
*Click here for a full overview of Document Guidelines

Learning Disabilities Testing

If you suspect you have a learning disability and would like to participate in testing to determine that, you can do so through the Concordia Counseling Center. The Counseling Center can administer a variety of tests designed to identify issues that may negatively affect learning. Testing is confidential. While counseling services are free to Concordia students, there is a fee for the testing service. To make an appointment to discuss testing as well as the fee involved, contact Student Services at 503-280-8512.