Accessibility & Accommodations

Columbia College is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students and assisting them in making their college experience fully accessible and positive.   

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008, Columbia College recognizes a student with a disability as anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. The Office of Accessibility Services coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and students experiencing barriers due to inaccessibility. All reasonable accommodations are individualized, flexible, and confidential based on the nature of the disability. 

View Our Accessibility Services Brochure

Resources

Eligibility for Services

All students with documented disabilities are eligible for services. A "person with a disability" includes any person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Some examples of disabilities include:

Blindness/visual impairments, deafness/hearing impairments, acquired brain injuries, attention deficit disorder, chronic medical disorders, psychological disorders, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, speech disorders, etc.

To receive services, the student must provide current documentation of their disability from a qualified health professional to the Center for Academic and Professional Advising and complete an application for disability services.

Available Services

Services may include (but are not limited to) the following: academic accommodations, accessible housing, interpreter services, reader services, specialized testing arrangements, faculty consultation, orientation to campus, note taker services, use of assistive devices, resource information and referral.

Services are based on each student's individualized needs.

Other Available Services

1. The Academic Skills Center has computers and writing resources, tutoring and workshops.
2. The Counseling Center provides short term or long-term therapy for students.
3. The Center for Academic and Professional Advising offers individual academic and social support to all students enrolled at Columbia College.
4. The Center of Multicultural Affairs and Community Resources provides information that can connect students to city and statewide programs that may offer additional resources.
5. The Office of Housing and Residential Life can answer all questions related to residential life at Columbia College.

Guidelines for Documenting a Disability or Medical Condition

Columbia College is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students and assisting them in making their college experience successful and positive. To receive reasonable accommodations, the following documentation must be provided by a qualified physician or other licensed professional in a field related to the disability or medical condition.

The documentation should include (if applicable):

1. Diagnostic statement identifying the condition, date of the current diagnostic evaluation, and the date of the original diagnosis. It is important to have the documentation on an official letterhead and signed by the diagnosing professional.
2. Diagnostic criteria and or diagnostic test used. This description should include the specific results of diagnostic procedures, diagnostic tests utilized, and when it was administered. Diagnostic methods used should be congruent with the disability or medical condition and current professional practices within the field. Informal or non-standardized evaluations should be described in enough detail that a professional colleague could understand their role and significance in the diagnostic process.
3. Description of the functional impact of the condition. The impact of the disability or medical condition on the students’ educational experience must be documented and explicitly described. This can include the provision of specific results from the diagnostic procedures and/or documentation of the impact of the disability or medical condition in previous educational settings (i.e. previous, IEP, 504, or other formal accommodation plans). The condition will be evaluated based on the typical progression of the condition, its interaction with development across the life span, the presence or absence of significant events (since the date of the evaluation) that would impact functioning, and how the information applies to the current situation of the request for accommodations.
4. Description of current treatments, medications, assistive devices/services. A history of treatments, medications, assistive devices, accommodations and/or assistive services to include statements about the effectiveness in minimizing the impact of the condition. Significant and potential side effects that may impact physical, perceptual, mental, behavioral or cognitive performance should also be noted.
5. Recommendations for accommodations. Depending on the impact of the disability or medical condition on the individual, the statement should include suggestions or recommendations for academic and housing accommodations that can help to provide full access for the student.

Please have the attached document completed by your medical provider as it relates to your diagnosis.

Requesting Accommodations

To request accommodations services, please complete the Accommodations Application and submit to the Accessibility Office along with your medical documentation to accommodations@columbiasc.edu or in person in Eden's Library Suite 109. 

Service and Emotional Support Animals

Columbia College does not generally permit students to bring pets or animals on campus. However, in accordance with Fair Housing Regulations, a college must provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who require the assistance of service or emotional support animals. For animals to be designated as a service or emotional support animal, students are required to demonstrate that their animal is a reasonable accommodation for a physical, emotional, or mental health disability. Disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The health and safety of all residents in campus housing is a priority at the College. Accordingly, the needs of the individual with the disability and also the potential impact of such animals on other residents must be taken into consideration.  

Service Animals 
A “service animal” means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the person's disability. The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purpose of this definition. Species other than dogs or, in some cases, miniature horses, are not considered service animals for the purpose of this definition of a service animal. Service animals will be permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of Columbia College’s facilities where students, members of the public, and other participants in services, programs or activities are allowed to go.  

Therapy/Emotional Support Animals 
A "therapy/emotional support animal" is an animal selected to play an integral part of a person’s treatment process that demonstrates a good temperament and reliable, predictable behavior. A therapy/emotional support animal is prescribed to an individual with a disability by a healthcare or mental health professional. A therapy/emotional support animal is not a service animal. Unlike a service animal, a therapy/emotional support animal does not assist a person with a disability with activities of daily living, nor does it accompany a person with a disability at all the times. However, a therapy/emotional support animal may be incorporated into a treatment process to assist in alleviating the symptoms of that individual’s disability. This treatment occurs within the person’s residence and therefore may be considered for access to university housing, but these animals will not be allowed in classrooms, dining halls, or other areas of campus outside the residence of the student.  

Deadline for Submitting Applications for Emotional Support Animals
Deadlines for ESA and Medical Single requests are as follows:

Returning Students

• Requests for the Fall semester - before Spring Break
• Requests for the Spring semester - by December 10th

Incoming 1st Year and Transfer Students

• August 1st for Fall semester
• December 20th for Spring semester

Questions or concerns related to this policy should be addressed to the Career and Student Success Services at 803.786.3604. If there is a concern of immediate danger or an emergency related to a service or emotional support animal when the Office is closed, contact the Columbia College Police Department at 803.786.3333.

These deadlines ensure that housing has time to accommodate the potential ESA, communicate with current hall residents with allergies and find appropriate space.

Once ESA is approved by the CSS, the animal cannot be brought on campus until the student gets notification from housing.

Process for Requesting a Service or Emotional Support Animal

Service and emotional support animals may not reside in College housing without the express written approval of college officials. Such requests should be processed as follows:

A resident requesting a service or emotional support animal must provide the Office of Accessibility Services with appropriate documentation at least 30 days before prospective housing will be needed. Advance notice is required in order to gather and verify the necessary documentation for the student. This documentation includes but is not limited to: verification of a disability, the determination of any conflicting disabilities in the immediate vicinity where the animal will be housed, and verification of all vaccinations and the health of the animal, including all the necessary licensing and training information. If documentation is immediately available, the time for the approval process may be shortened.

Documentation of the need for a service or emotional support animal should include a signed letter, on professional letterhead, from the student’s physical or mental healthcare provider or licensed therapist. The provider or therapist should be familiar with the professional literature concerning the assistive and/or therapeutic benefits of assistance animals for people with disabilities. A copy of the service or emotional support animal certification form or ID card from the agency or organization that provided the training should also be provided by the training agency or organization. If the animal is trained by the owner or another private individual, a brief statement to that effect is all that is required. At a minimum, the letter should include the following:

1. The provider's diagnosis of the student’s condition.
2. The provider's opinion that the condition affects a major life activity.
3. The provider's opinion that the service or emotional support animal has been prescribed for treatment purposes and is necessary to help alleviate symptoms associated with the student’s condition and/or to help the person use and enjoy campus housing.
4. The provider's description of the service(s) that the animal provides in the case of a service animal.
5. Any additional rationale or statement the College may reasonably need to understand the basis for the professional.
6. The Office of Accessibility Services staff members will review documentation, and if the College determines a qualifying disability exists, they shall arrange a meeting with the Director of Residence Life and Housing and the resident requesting that a service or emotional support animal be housed in campus housing. The College’s Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy will be carefully reviewed with the person at that time, and an interactive dialogue will take place to determine whether the animal is a reasonable accommodation, considering alternative accommodations and the impact of the animal on the campus housing program. If the request is approved, the resident will be permitted to have service animal or emotional support animal reside in the residence halls. The Director of Residence Life and Housing will notify the resident’s suite mate and other individuals who may be impacted by the service or emotional support animal in the building. 
   
   IMPORTANT: Once ESA is approved by Career and Student Success /Accessibility Services, the animal cannot be brought on campus until the student gets notification from housing that they can do so.

Conflicting Disabilities

Residence Life and Housing personnel will make a reasonable effort to notify residents in the residence building where the animal will be located of the existence of a service or emotional support animal in the building. Students with medical condition(s) that are affected by animals (respiratory diseases, asthma, severe allergies) are asked to contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing if they have a health or safety related concern about exposure to the service or emotional support animal. The individual will be asked to provide medical documentation that identifies the condition(s) to assist in determining whether the condition is disabling and whether there is a need for an accommodation. The Director of Residence Life and Housing will resolve any conflict in a timely manner. Staff members will consider the conflicting needs and/or accommodations of all persons involved. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the Office's decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Resident Responsibilities

Care and Supervision: Care and supervision of the animal is the sole responsibility of the individual who benefits from the animal’s use. The person is required to maintain control of the animal at all times. The person is also responsible for ensuring the clean-up of the animal’s waste and the general cleanliness of the animal. Caged animals are to be kept in appropriate cages with flooring and liner to prevent any damage to floors and to allow sanitary removal of pet waste.

Noise and Behavior: The animal shall not disturb or cause any nuisance to other members of the community. This generally includes no barking, whining, squawking, scratching, chewing, or aggression. Residents are responsible for any odors, noise, damage, or other conduct of their animal that disturbs others or damages the premises. Residents that violate this policy or these obligations may be required to remove the animal from the residence hall room.

Damage: Owners of service or emotional support animals are solely responsible for any damage to persons or college property caused by their animal. The resident will be required to pay for any damage and/or excessive cleaning fees caused by the animal.

Vaccination: In accordance with local ordinances and regulations, the animal must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. Dogs must have current vaccinations against rabies and wear a rabies vaccination tag. The resident must provide verification of all veterinarian recommended vaccinations as well as proof of absence of communicable diseases, fleas and parasites (annually or as needed, thereafter). Copies of the vaccination record and city license must be provided.

Licensing: The person keeping a service or emotional support animal on campus must ensure compliance with any laws pertaining to animal licensing or other similar laws.

Health: Animals to be housed in campus housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Documentation can be a vaccination certificate for the animal or a veterinarian’s statement regarding the animal’s health. The college has the authority to direct that the animal receive veterinary attention.

Training: Service or emotional support animals must be properly trained. You must provide verification that the animal has been individually trained as a service or emotional support animal to provide the service(s) needed. Acceptable verification methods are 1) the letter or ID card provided by agency personnel who trained the animal or 2) a statement from the owner that the animal was trained by the owner or another private individual.

Transport of Animal: The animal must be under the control of the resident, such as on a leash or in a carrier, when being transported to and from the residence hall.

Emergency Care: The resident must provide the Director of Residence Life and Housing with contact information for an off-campus alternate caregiver if the resident is unable or unwilling to provide adequate care. The College will assume no responsibility/liability for the care of a resident’s emotional support animal.

Other Conditions: Columbia College may place other reasonable conditions or restrictions on the animals depending on the nature and characteristics of the animal. If the animal becomes disruptive to the roommates and/or suite mates the College may require or the student may request a room with no roommates.

Access

The College may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health and safety restrictions (e.g. where the animals may be in danger, or where their use may compromise the integrity of research). Restricted areas may include, but are not limited to, the following areas: custodial closets, boiler rooms, facility equipment rooms, research laboratories, classrooms with research/demonstration animals, areas where protective clothing is necessary, wood and metal shops, motor pools, and rooms with heavy machinery. The student’s residence hall room is the only college owned building and space where the Emotional Support Animal is permitted. Exceptions to restricted areas may be granted on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Office of Accessibility Services; however, the staff person directing the restricted area will be allowed to make the final decision.

Removal of the Animal

The College may exclude/remove an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal when it 1) poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others; 2) results in a fundamental alteration of the College’s program; or 3) engages in disruptive behavior.

Requirements for Faculty, Staff, Students, and Other Members of the College Community

Members of the College community are required to abide by the following practices:

1. They are not to touch or pet an Emotional Support Animal unless invited to do so.
2. They are not to feed the Emotional Support Animal.
3. They are not to deliberately startle the Emotional Support Animal.
4. They are not to separate or to attempt to separate an owner from their Emotional Support Animal.
5. They are not to inquire for details about the owner's disabilities. The nature of a person's disability is a private matter.

Questions

Questions or concerns related to this policy should be addressed to Career and Student Success Services at 803.786.3604. If there is a concern of immediate danger or an emergency related to a service or emotional support animal when the Office is closed, contact the Columbia College Police Department at 803.786.3333.

Accommodations Grievance Policy

Introduction: Columbia College is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Columbia College recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Columbia College coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities through the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations, a part of the department of Career & Student Success Services. All reasonable accommodations are individualized, flexible and confidential based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. This Accommodations Grievance Policy outlines the procedures for addressing grievances related to accommodations provided to students with disabilities. 

Scope: This policy applies to all students enrolled at Columbia College who have requested accommodations due to a documented disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Principles:

• Equal Access: Columbia College is committed to ensuring equal access to educational programs and activities for students with disabilities. 
• Confidentiality: All information regarding a student's disability, accommodation requests, and grievance will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law and consistent with Columbia College’s policies and procedures. 
• Timely Resolution: Grievances will be addressed promptly and fairly, with a commitment to resolving them as quickly as possible.
• Non-Retaliation: Columbia College prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a grievance or participates in the grievance process. Any acts of retaliation should be reported immediately to the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations or the Provost.

Grievance Procedure: 

• Informal Resolution: Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve grievances informally by discussing concerns directly with the faculty or staff member responsible for providing accommodations. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily through informal means, the student may proceed to the formal grievance process. 
• Formal Grievance Procedure: 
  • Submission of Grievance: Any student wishing to file a formal accommodations grievance must file within 60 calendar days of the alleged discrimination. Students filing formal accommodations grievances must send the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations a clear, concise, and reasonably detailed description of the specific problem(s) or issue(s) to be reviewed and the relevant facts, including:
    • The specific basis of the complaint (e.g., specific disability)
    • A timeline of events with the date of each alleged discriminatory act and efforts taken to resolve the matter
    • Why the student filing the grievance believes each alleged discrimination was discriminatory on the specific basis of their complaint
    • Names of each person involved, including the names of any witnesses
    • Any documents supporting the complaint
    • The specific resolution from the institution that is being sought
    • The name, contact information, and signature of the student filing the grievance 
  • Investigation: Upon receipt of the formal grievance, the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations will conduct a thorough investigation into the grievance. This may include gathering additional information from the student, faculty or staff member involved, and any other pertinent parties.
  • Resolution: After completing the investigation, the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations will make a determination regarding the grievance. A written decision will be issued within 30 business days from the time the formal written complaint is received with all required information. It may be necessary to extend the time for investigation, in the event of extenuating circumstances or difficulties in reaching relevant witness or attaining relevant documents. If it is determined that the concern is valid, the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations will work with the student and relevant faculty and staff to implement an appropriate resolution.
• Formal Grievance Procedure (alternate):
  • Submission of Grievances (alternate): In the event a formal grievance is about the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations, students must send the provost a clear, concise, and reasonably detailed description of the specific problem(s) or issue(s) to be reviewed. The relevant facts that must be included are the same as those noted above for the standard submission of grievances.
  • Investigation (alternate): An accommodations grievance review committee comprised of impartial faculty, staff, and/or administrators will be convened by the provost to review the grievance and investigation findings.
  • Resolution (alternate): After completing the investigation, the committee will issue a written decision within a reasonable timeframe. If is determined that the concern is valid, the committee will submit a recommendation to the provost for how relevant faculty, staff and/or administrators will work with the student and/or the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations to implement an appropriate resolution.
• Appeal: If either party disagrees with the decision reached through the formal grievance procedure, they may appeal in writing to the provost. The appeal must be filed in writing, with grounds within 15 calendar days of receiving the letter notifying the student of the decision. A written decision on the appeal will be provided within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal. The decision from the appeal will be final. 

Recordkeeping: All documentation related to accommodations grievances will be maintained by the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Training and Education: Columbia College will provide ongoing training and education to faculty, staff, and students on disability rights, accommodations procedures, and the importance of fostering an inclusive campus environment. 

Contact Information: For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services & Accommodations at accommodations@columbiasc.edu. 

Review and Revision: This policy will be reviewed periodically by the appropriate administrative body to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with relevant laws and best practices. Amendments may be made as necessary. 

Effective Date: This policy is effective as of 5/9/2024 and supersedes any previous policies related to accommodations grievances. 

Additional Information: 

• You have the right to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). While you may want to use the institution's grievance process to have the complaint resolved, you are not required by law to use the institutional grievance process before filing a complaint with the OCR. Information about filing a complaint with the OCR is available at their website. Click on "How to File a Complaint."
• You may file a complaint by using OCR’s online electronic complaint form, but you must also mail in a signed consent form. The website tells you how to print that form.
  • Mailing or faxing the OCR’s discrimination complaint form or writing your own letter. If you write your own letter provide your name, address, and telephone number; a description of the discriminatory act and when it occurred; and the name and location of the institution that you believe committed the discriminatory act.
  • Emailing an OCR complaint form or signed letter to ocr@ed.gov. If you write a letter, please include the information provided above.
  • Completing and sending or faxing an OCR complaint form. You may call or write to OCR to get that form.
  • South Carolina is served by the OCR's District of Columbia office: Office for Civil Rights District of Columbia Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202-1475 Telephone: 800-421-3481 (Voice) or 800-877-8339 (TTY) Fax: 202-453-6021
• The US Department of Justice also allows individuals to file complaints with them about ADA violations by colleges. It may investigate these complaints or refer them to the US Department of Education. Information about filing with the US Department of Justice is available here. You may also wish to contact a private attorney. If you do not know of one, you may contact the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284. 

Conclusion: Columbia College is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. This Accommodations Grievance Policy reflects our dedication to addressing grievances related to accommodations in a fair, timely, and respectful manner.