Chapter 27 – SAR Center Appeal Procedures

SAR Center Appeal Procedures and Discrimination Complaints

1. SAR Center Appeal Process Regarding Accommodation Denial

2. Concerns or Complaints of Discrimination Based on Disability

SAR Center Appeal Process Regarding Accommodation Denial

In our experience, students have found it helpful to have a discussion around a denial of a request with their SAR Center specialist prior to initiating the appeal process. If a student is interested in a discussion with their SAR Center specialist, please schedule an appointment via the SAR Student Portal or contact the front desk at sarcenter@uta.edu.

Students who have been denied an accommodation, can submit additional documentation and ask for an additional review of their request for accommodations. If a student is not currently receiving approved accommodations, the new documentation needs to be sent to sarcenter@uta.edu.

If a student has been denied a requested accommodation and would like to appeal the denial, they need to submit new or additional documentation within 30 days of the denial from the SAR Center.

1. The student should put in writing the reason for the appeal regarding a disability-related need and/or impact for the accommodation. Please send an email to sarcenter@uta.edu.

2. The student should then call 817-272-3364 to request an appointment with the Associate Director or designee to discuss the appeal.

• During the discussion with the Associate Director, the student should be prepared to explain why the denied accommodation is needed to address the current impacts of their disability at UTA. Having received an accommodation from a previous institution or in the K-12 system is not in itself a sufficient explanation.

The SAR Center Associate Director will make a decision regarding the student’s appeal within five (5) business days. The decision will be in writing and will be sent to the student’s UTA email.

If the Associate Director approves the appeal, the accommodation will be granted moving forward and is not retroactive. If the denial is upheld, and the student feels the issue is not resolved, the student may file an appeal with the Director, within five (5) business days of the SAR Center Associate Director’s determination.

If the Director approves the appeal, the accommodation will be granted moving forward and is not retroactive. If the denial is upheld, and the student feels the issue is not resolved, the student may file an appeal with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of the Division of Student Affairs, within five (5) business days of the SAR Center Director’s determination.

The student must provide the AVP with: Information that the student believes demonstrates they were not provided with due process by the SAR Center. This information needs to be emailed to the AVP.

The AVP will make a decision regarding the student’s appeal within seven (7) business days. The AVP’s decision will be in writing and will be sent to the student’s UTA email. If through the appeal process the accommodation is granted, it will be granted moving forward. Accommodations are not retroactive.
 

SAR Center Concern or Complaint Process Regarding Service Providers (Interpreters, Transcribers, Access Assistants, Notetakers, etc.)

Clear communication between students who receive services through the SAR Center, their service providers, and appropriate SAR Center staff is vital to utilizing the SAR Center effectively.

If there is an issue or concern related to a service provider, please contact your SAR Center specialist. For Interpreters or Transcribers, please contact the DHOH Coordinator at tiffani.riddick@uta.edu or by calling 817-272-3364.

Concerns or Complaints of Discrimination Based on Disability

If at any time a student feels that they have experienced discrimination as a result of their disability by any UTA staff, student, or faculty, the student should contact the Office of Title IX and Discrimination Complaints. Please see the Office of Title IX and Discrimination Complaints page for Student Complaint Procedures (both formal and informal processes).

At any time, a student may contact the Office for Civil Rights.