Disability Resources

Tips for Talking to Faculty

An important part of being a college student is talking to professors. You will have many occasions, besides accommodations, to talk to professors in at UMD. It may be difficult at first, but gets much easier.

Talking to your professors is the second step of disability accommodation at UMD. You must take your Letter of Accommodation and request forms to your professors to enlist their help.

(Meeting with your disability specialist is the first step. Make this visit early in the semester to get your accommodations started.)

• Make an appointment or go to your professors’ office hours.  If your professor does not hold regular office hours, or you have a class at the same time, ask your professor to schedule an appointment with you. Tell your professor that you work with Disability Resources.
  
  
• Before your appointment, print out a copy of your Letter of accommodation (LOA) for each professor from whom you will need accommodations.
  
  
• Address your professor as Doctor or Professor unless you are told otherwise. ("Mr." and "Ms." are appropriate titles for high school teachers.)
  
  
• Give the LOA and accommodations forms to you professor. Allow them time to read it.
  
  
• Make sure you understand and can explain how your needs relate to the accommodations you use.  If appropriate, discuss what has worked for you in the past.
  
  
• Make it clear that you are a serious and motivated student. Never tell your professor that you are incapable of doing something!
  
  
• Be open to suggestions from your professors. They are the experts in their classes.
  
  
• Never assume a professor will be okay with missing class and/or assignments.  Remember ALL UMD students are held to the same standards and requirements regardless of disability status.  Accommodations are available to help students meet these requirements.

• Discuss any disability-related concerns that need to be brought to your professor’s attention, such as elevator breakdowns, responding to emergencies, or attendance issues due to chronic health problems.  Make sure you and your professor each have a clear understanding of any agreements made. 

• Be assertive, but NOT aggressive.  Always remain calm and courteous.  If there is a disagreement, or the professor indicates an unwillingness to provide authorized accommodations, immediately make an appointment with your DR specailist to discuss the situation.