Student Resource Hub

CUNY Accommodate

Student FAQs

• How do I know if I'm eligible for ARC services? Students with any disability or medical condition are encouraged to connect with ARC, including but not limited to individuals with learning, psychological, neurological, physical, sensory, medical, or temporary impairments. Students who are experiencing barriers that may be impacting their academic experience, even if they are unsure whether they qualify for accommodations, are also encouraged to contact ARC to learn more about available support and resources.
• Do I need to submit supporting documentation to receive services? Students are encouraged to provide medical documentation to determine the best and most appropriate accommodations. For students diagnosed with a disability, prior documentation such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a history of receiving accommodations from a former school may also be considered when registering for services. If you cannot provide documentation, you are not necessarily excluded from ARC services. Please speak with one of our staff members to schedule an intake and review your options.
• Will my professors know that I receive accommodations? Students are required to submit a Semester Request via CUNY Accommodate to “activate” their accommodations for each semester. Once submitted, ARC Staff will send a copy of a student's Accommodation Letter to their professors via CUNY Accommodate. This notifies your professors of your implemented accommodations. Semester Requests should be completed at the beginning of each term. Students are encouraged to meet with their professors after letters have been sent to discuss their registration with ARC and implementation of accommodations.
• Will my disability be disclosed to faculty or other Hostos Staff? No, all student records and disability-related information remain confidential. Professors are only notified of your implemented accommodations. You may choose to disclose disability-related information to your professors if you think it’d be helpful in the implementation of your accommodations. Your transcript or diploma will not show an indication of your registration with ARC.
• What do I do if my professor is not implementing an accommodation? Sometimes professors need a reminder, feel free to let them know. If your professor knowingly denies an accommodation, let your Disability Accommodation Specialist know. The accommodation process is interactive. On occasion but rarely, accommodations may fundamentally alter the nature of the course. Your Disability Accommodation Specialist will engage in an interactive process with you and your professor to consider alternate ways that the course’s learning outcomes can be reached.
• How do I use my testing accommodation? Testing accommodations are not automatically applied to in-person exams. To utilize your approved testing accommodation, first ensure that a Semester Request has been submitted for the current term and a copy of your Accommodation Letter has been sent to your professors. You will then be able to submit a Testing Request via CUNY Accommodate. A Request must be submitted for each exam. Students are asked to submit requests no later than a week before exams to ensure space, staffing, and technology are available. For additional assistance with securing testing accommodations, please contact ARC or the Testing Center.

• I loaned a device from ARC. When do I have to return it? Assistive Technology devices should be returned at the end of the semester. We will send reminders via email. If you are enrolled in classes in the following semester and wish to continue utilizing the device, contact our Assistive Technology Specialist to renew your loan.