Student accommodations

What are accommodations?

Academic accommodations are adaptations or measures that reduce or eliminate barriers to participation.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. We consider supporting documentation and the functional limitations you're experiencing.

Accommodations are not meant to provide you with an advantage, modify course material or learning objectives. While accommodations reduce barriers related to academic participation, they do not guarantee a level of achievement.

All accommodations must be reasonable, taking into account your functional limitations, academic standards and course objectives, and time and resource constraints for all parties involved in coordinating the accommodation.

Accommodations must not interfere with the university’s ability to assess the essential learning outcomes of the course or program and must adhere to all academic standards and the university’s academic integrity policies.

We coordinate a variety of services and accommodations such as:

• Exam accommodations
• Sign language interpretation, transcribing
• Accessible materials in alternate formats (e.g., braille, large print)
• Hygiene and/or mobility attendants
• Textbook/coursepack conversion services

Accommodations and advising FAQ

Accommodation planning & referral services

You will discuss your needs and the barriers you face in the academic environment with your ACSD Advisor to create a unique accommodation plan.

This plan is developed through an in-depth discussion with your advisor and by reviewing your documentation. The accommodation plan can be modified to fit your needs as you progress through your time at Concordia.

ACSD Advisors are well-connected professionals who will assist you in coordinating with internal and external support services.

Advisors can also coach you to advocate for yourself. This includes how to talk to professors or other professionals about your needs as a student with a disability.

Exam accommodations

Exam accommodations are reasonable changes to the testing conditions that allow you to demonstrate your academic ability and fulfill course requirements.

In-person exams

Online and take-home exams

General exam information

Letters of support

At Concordia, a full-time course load is 12 credits in one term. However, in some situations, ACSD-registered students taking a minimum of 6 credits may request to be considered full-time for a specific purpose.

To be officially considered a full-time equivalent by the government of Quebec, a student must meet the criteria of having a Major Functional Disability (MFD) or a serious Episodic Disorder, as outlined by Aide Financiere Etudiants, and be registered in 6 credits or more.

In situations outside of government related matters, the ACSD may be able to provide a courtesy letter even if a student does not meet the formal requirement for having an MFD or a serious Episodic Disorder. These letters are provided on a needs-basis.

• To request a letter to be considered full-time equivalent (for i.e. Quebec Acceptance Certificate for Immigration, funding agency, banking, coop, or internships), please contact your ACSD advisor for more details.
• To request a letter to be considered full-time equivalent to obtain student OPUS card, please contact Birks Student Centre.

Online drop-in sessions and workshops

Virtual workshops are open to registered ACSD students. Look out for our email invites with the Zoom meeting information!

Thriving! discussions

Check out our Thriving! series of monthly discussions, hosted with Counselling and Psychological Services, Health Services and the Concordia Zen Dens. Topics include starting the semester right, fostering healthy relationships and creating balance during the exam period.

Student Service Stations

An ACSD Advisor will be available to answer questions and provide advice at the Student Service Station, Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

ACSD 2021-2022 workshop schedule

Course materials in alternate formats

If you're facing a learning barrier when using printed or hard copy texts, digital textbook and course-pack conversion services are available to you.

Recording lectures

Concordia has a policy regarding recording the audio and/or video of lectures. It is the student’s responsibility to know and follow this policy.

Read the policy on audio/video recording of lectures (PRVPA-2).

Process for procedure mask exemption

All members of the Concordia University community are asked to wear a procedural mask when they are on campus. As outlined by the Government of Quebec, certain conditions are permitted exemptions to procedural mask wearing. If you are not able to wear a procedure mask on campus because of the conditions listed above, you can request an exemption with this form, completed by a doctor.    

• If you are already registered with the ACSD and would like to request a procedure mask exemption as an accommodation, send the completed form to your current advisor who will add it your list of accommodations.
• Should you want to register with ACSD, in addition to requesting the procedure mask exemption accommodation, please include this completed form along with all your other accompanying documentation and send to acsd.intake@concordia.ca
• If you do not wish to register with the ACSD, but want to request the procedure mask exemption accommodation, send this completed form to acsd.intake@concordia.ca

Download the form (to be completed by a medical professional)

Visor and letter pick-up

Once your request has been approved, you will receive notice from the ACSD of when to pick up your visor and accompanying letter. The pick-up location will be at the security desk in the GM lobby. Concordia ID will be required. All students who are exempt from wearing a procedure mask and wearing a visor must have this letter on hand while on Concordia campuses.