Williams endeavors to provide equal access to campus programs and activities for all members of the college community, including students who may require accommodations to live and learn on campus. Although Williams operates no specially structured academic programs for individuals with disabilities, the College is committed to providing support services and accommodations to any students who need them.
Prospective students are encouraged to consult with the Office of Accessible Education regarding potential accommodations at Williams to support a documented disability. Students are also welcome to discuss concerns about support for disabilities with members of the admission staff, housing office, health/psychological services, and the dean’s office. These conversations are shared with College personnel on a need-to-know basis only.
During the admission process, each applicant is evaluated on the basis of academic achievement and the potential to satisfy rigorous academic standards. Candidates are not admitted to a modified program of study and Williams does not offer courses specifically designed for students with disabilities.
Once enrolled at Williams, students with disabilities that affect their participation in college life should contact the Office of Accessible Education to discuss supports and begin the accommodation request process. To request accommodations, students are required to meet with OAE staff and provide recent documentation from a healthcare provider that identifies the disability, describes the challenges faced due to this condition, and if possible, recommends appropriate accommodations. This information is kept confidential to the extent required by law.
Students with approved academic accommodations are encouraged to meet with OAE staff and their faculty each semester to customize their accommodations plan for their specific course of study. Accommodation plans seek to meet students’ documented needs without altering essential course requirements or modifying fundamental aspects of the Williams experience. College and departmental requirements are implemented for sound pedagogic and academic reasons. Therefore, we do not waive academic requirements for students with disabilities. Rather, our goal is to assist students in their efforts to meet those requirements through reasonable and appropriate accommodations.
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