with Disabilities

Fielding Graduate University does not discriminate in the admissions process on the basis of disability. Any information concerning an applicant’s disability provided during the admissions process is on a voluntary or optional basis. All applicants, regardless of disability, will be evaluated according to the qualifications of the relevant academic program, which includes academic record, educational background, professional and/or academic achievements.

After acceptance of an applicant, Fielding encourages voluntary self-identification by students with disabilities. Requests for accommodations should be received at least 30 days in advance of matriculation to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be provided upon enrollment. However, Fielding will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations, support, and barrier-free access to every new student. Therefore, as soon as your enrollment is confirmed, you should contact the Accessibility Coordinator to begin the procedure for documentation of disabilities and requesting accommodations.

Fielding provides a wide range of academic accommodations to students with disabilities. Services can be provided at any location where a Fielding academic event, authorized meeting, or session will take place. Fielding cannot provide accommodations or support services to students in their own home or workplace, or services that are unrelated to academic activities in the student’s program. Services and reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Accessibility Coordinator is the liaison regarding issues and regulations that are related to Fielding Graduate University’s students with disabilities. The Accessibility Coordinator responds to accommodation requests and is responsible for obtaining accommodations and academic support services for qualified students with disabilities.

Each student’s academic accommodations will be determined on an individual case-by-case basis through engaging in an interactive process. A student may be requested to provide additional documentation, if the Accessibility Coordinator does not have sufficient information on which to base decisions concerning accommodations and services.

The Accessibility Coordinator may consult with program leaders in a student’s academic program to discuss appropriate accommodations and how those will be met in each instance before rendering a decision. After consulting with others relevant to the student’s academic program, the Accessibility Coordinator will make the final determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodations for each student.

Fielding Graduate University asks students who request accommodations to present documentation to describe their disability, their past use of accommodations, or the disability’s likely impact on their educational experiences. Documentation of disability provides a valuable tool for understanding how university courses, systems and facilities may present barriers and for planning strategies, including reasonable accommodations, which facilitate access. Fielding staff uses documentation to augment conversations with students, to establish the presence of a disability and, when necessary, to support the reasonableness of requested accommodations.

Once appropriate documentation has been submitted to Fielding, a student will not need to provide further documentation of disability during enrollment, unless the student’s diagnosis and resultant needs have changed.

DISABILITY IS A KIND OF DIVERSITY

Disability is a diversity classification that transcends all ethnic, racial, age, gender, education, and socioeconomic lines.

Fielding Graduate University supports an environment in which the diversity and variety of human experiences are respected and appreciated. We recognize and value the unique history of each student and are committed to meeting the needs and providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere sensitive to the needs of all students.

Fielding’s administrative offices are located in two lot-adjacent office buildings in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. To enrich your educational experience, many of Fielding’s programs hold face-to-face events throughout the year in different regional locations. Our Academic Conferencing & Events Department contracts with hotels and other educational spaces such as retreat centers to provide suitable spaces for your learning and engagement with faculty.