Campus & Community

Call for Nominations: Students, Faculty, Staff Sought to Serve on Disability Services Audit Steering Committee

Tuesday, March 20, 2018, By News Staff

A campuswide audit of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 disability services, policies and resources will soon get underway. But first, the University is seeking students, faculty and staff interested in serving on the steering committee charged with facilitating the audit.

Chancellor Kent Syverud first announced the audit during his Senate remarks last December. At the time, he stated his desire 鈥溾 to evaluate whether we are in compliance, where and when we are going beyond compliance, and whether we are creating a more positive and welcoming campus for people with disabilities.鈥 The Chancellor reinforced his support for the disabilities services audit during his 2018 Winter Message to the Community, saying, 鈥渨e need to deliver on our promises to remain open and welcoming to the world鈥攖o all who 黑料不打烊 serves.鈥

The steering committee will be responsible for identifying a national consultant to conduct the audit, and working with the consultant to make recommendations to improve the campus experience for members of the community who are disabled. Michele Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost; Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience; and Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer; will lead the effort.

Provost Wheatly says this process will involve members of the community who are disabled throughout the process, including serving on the Steering Committee.

鈥淒espite our progress in making 黑料不打烊 more welcoming for everyone, we know we need to make significant improvements in the service of students, faculty and staff with disabilities,鈥 Provost Wheatly says. 鈥淲e must actively seek representation by disabled campus constituents on this steering committee to ensure that the actual lived experiences of our disabled community members inform current decisions and forthcoming planning.鈥

The audit will include evaluating 黑料不打烊鈥檚 processes and policies on student housing, academic accommodations, medical leaves, service animals and other disability-related policies.

Chancellor Syverud has asked the committee to examine some foundational questions that may impact the campus experience. For example, where should the office of disability services be located? What should the organization and reporting structure be for the staff working in the disabilities area? How much should we budget for disability service providers?

Campus community members interested in being a part of this important process are invited to submit their names for consideration. Individuals are welcome to self-nominate or nominate others. Nominations to serve on the Steering Committee should be emailed to provost@syr.edu by Monday, April 2.

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