Support and Accommodations for Students
Accessibility Resources partners with students to remove disability-related barriers and ensure equal access to learning. You can contact us at any point in your academic journey—before classes begin, during the semester, or after you are already enrolled.
You do not need to know whether you “qualify” before reaching out. If you are experiencing barriers related to a disability or health condition, we encourage you to connect with our office.
On this Page
- Who This Page is For
- Overview of the Accommodation Process
- If You are New to the University
- If You are a Current or Returning Student
- Temporary Conditions, Pregnancy, and New Health Concerns
- Confidentiality and Student Rights
- Need Help or Have Questions?
- Contact Accessibility Resources
Who This Page is For
This page applies to all students, including:
- Incoming or newly admitted students
- Current or returning students
- Online, extended campus, concurrent enrollment, and PSEO students
- Graduate students
- Students with a new, temporary, or undiagnosed condition
- Students who already have accommodations and need changes
If you are unsure where you fit, this page is the right place to start.
Overview of the Accommodation Process
Students are not required to disclose a disability to Accessibility Resources unless they are requesting accommodations for disability-related barriers. If you choose to request accommodations, the process generally includes:
- Submitting an application
- Meeting with Accessibility Resources staff
- Determining reasonable accommodations on an individual basis
Please see below for more details. All information shared with Accessibility Resources is treated as confidential.
Step 1: Request Services
You may begin the process in either of the following ways:
- Complete the New Student Application in MavAccess, or
- Schedule an intake meeting directly with Accessibility Resources staff
You can contact our office by phone, email, or in person to schedule a meeting.
Step 2: Intake Meeting
The intake meeting is a one-on-one conversation with an Accessibility Resources staff member. During this meeting, you will:
- Discuss the barriers you experience related to your disability or condition
- Talk about your academic environment and campus needs
- Review options for reasonable accommodations
The meeting typically lasts about one hour and may be held in person, virtually, or by phone. Contact us to schedule it.
You do not need to know clinical or technical terms to participate. Staff will work with you to understand your experience and identify appropriate supports.
Step 3: Documentation (If Needed)
While documentation is not required for the intake meeting, some accommodations might require documentation to help determine eligibility. If documentation is needed:
- Staff will explain what information is helpful
- You may upload documentation through MavAccess, email it, fax it, or bring it to your meeting; submitting before the meeting helps staff prepare
- If you do not currently have documentation, staff will discuss next steps with you
Documentation requirements are not used to screen students out, but to support effective accommodation planning.
If You Are New to the University
You are welcome to contact Accessibility Resources before or after starting classes. While planning ahead can be helpful—especially for accommodations that take time to arrange—it is never too late to reach out.
Accommodations are determined through the college process and are not the same as high school IEPs or 504 plans. Information from prior educational settings may still be useful, but accommodations are not automatic or retroactive.
If You Are a Current or Returning Student
If you already have approved accommodations and need to:
- Request changes or additions
- Discuss new barriers
- Address a change in your condition
You can contact your primary Accessibility Resources Access Coordinator or the main office at any time.
Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and requests should be made in advance whenever possible.
Temporary Conditions, Pregnancy, and New Health Concerns
Accessibility Resources also supports students who experience:
- Temporary medical conditions or injuries lasting longer than two weeks
- Health-related barriers that arise during the semester
- Barriers related to pregnancy or breastfeeding
Support options vary based on individual needs and circumstances. We encourage students to reach out as soon as barriers arise.
Confidentiality and Student Rights
All disability-related information and documentation are handled in accordance with FERPA and university policy. Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis with faculty or staff who have a legitimate educational interest.
Students are encouraged to review information about their rights, responsibilities, and the discrimination complaint process.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you are unsure where to start or have questions about the process, Accessibility Resources staff are happy to help. Contacting our office does not obligate you to register for accommodations.
Contact Accessibility Resources
- Call: 507-389-2825 (V) or 711 (Relay Services)
- Email: ar@mnsu.edu
- Stop by: 132 Memorial Library
More Information
Prospective Students
We welcome prospective students with disabilities. Here is more information on the services we offer and how to register with our office.
Current Students
Information for Current Students with disabilities, and how to register for our services.
Medical Emergency and Temporary Health Conditions
For students who become temporarily impaired or ill for periods longer than two weeks and require support from Accessibility Resources.
Adjustments for Pregnant and/or Breastfeeding Students
Adjustments for students who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Resources
Campus, community, and web based resources provided for students with disabilities.
