Transition to Lafayette - Incoming Students

Welcome to Lafayette College! Accessibility Services has compiled some Frequently Asked Questions and resources to assist in your transition.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Is there a separate admission process for students with disabilities?

No. The admissions process and criteria are the same for all students applying to Lafayette. Disability status is not a consideration in the admissions process. For specific questions about admissions, contact Lafayette College Admissions.

Should I submit my disability documentation with my admissions application?

No. Please follow the guidelines to request accommodations and submit documentation directly to Accessibility Services after you have been accepted to Lafayette and enrolled.

Before I apply to Lafayette, can I speak with someone in Accessibility Services?

Yes. The Accessibility Services staff is happy to speak with you to answer general questions about Accessibility Services and accommodations at Lafayette. Please email resourcehub@lafayette.edu to arrange a time

ACCEPTED AND ENROLLED STUDENTS

What is the process for requesting accommodations?

Review the Getting Started page to learn more about the process of requesting services and/or accommodations.

How do I transfer my accommodations from high school to Lafayette?

  • Accessibility Services will work with you to determine reasonable accommodations for the college environment and your courses. If you had a 504 accommodation plan and/or an IEP in high school, this plan does not automatically transfer to college. Please follow the steps to register with Accessibility Services to develop an accommodation plan for your time at Lafayette.  This is a student-driven approach.

What is the deadline to register with Accessibility Services?

  • Accessibility Services recognizes that a person can develop or become aware of a disability at any time. For that reason, Accessibility Services will review requests as we receive them. However, the sooner we hear from you, the sooner we may be able to assist you with your needs.  Requests not made within a reasonable time frame may result in the College not being able to provide the requested accommodation.
  • Accessibility Services will begin to review incoming students’ (Class of 2028) requests for accommodations in June 2024.
    • Below are suggested timelines for non-housing requests:
      Fall Semester: Submit Request by July 15
      Spring Semester: Submit Request by January 15
    • Reference the Housing Accommodations webpage for deadlines regarding housing accommodation requests.

Can my parent(s)/guardian(s) fill out the Student Intake Form?

Disclosing a disability is a student-driven process in college therefore, the form should be completed by you, the student. You may have a parent/guardian assist you if needed. Accessibility Services will be communicating and meeting with you, the student, regarding your request. It is important that we receive the self-disclosure form in your own words. 

What documentation is required to receive services, and how current does it need to be?

Please refer to the Documentation Guidelines for specific information. 

What accommodations and/or services will I be eligible for at Lafayette?

Lafayette College will provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations for participation in Lafayette programs and courses. Appropriate reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual basis. Everyone is unique and we look forward to getting to know you. 

Your accommodation plan will be specific to Lafayette College and may be different than what you had received in the past.

When you meet with an Accessibility Staff member, they will be able to discuss an accommodation plan with you and what services or accommodations may be appropriate.

I am not sure I have a disability. What do I do?

Disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, seeing, hearing, walking, standing, lifting, speaking, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Please contact the Accessibility Services office to discuss any individual questions. You are welcome to set up a meeting with the Accessibility Services staff. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your situation and connect you with appropriate resources. Please contact the office if you are interested in setting up a meeting.

Transition Resources