Student Disability Services
For Prospective and Current SDS Students
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a separate admissions process for students with disabilities?
No. All students must apply through the same admissions process and meet the admissions criteria. It is important to first visit the admissions webpage at http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/. There you will find information about the eligibility criteria for admission to SDSU.
2. Where in the CSU Admissions application can I address my disability?
The CSU admissions application does not consider disability as part of the admission process. For admissions purposes, SDSU takes into consideration Grade Point Average (GPA), SAT/ACT scores, and successful completion of required coursework.
3. Since I have a documented disability, can SDS help me apply for admission to San Diego State University?
SDS does not assist individuals in applying for admission to SDSU. Once you have been admitted to SDSU, you can contact our office to initiate the application process for determining eligibility and receiving accommodations.
4. Will SDS accept my high school IEP or 504 Plan to demonstrate a disability?
No. These documents do not provide a comprehensive assessment and are not accepted as documentation of a disability. Documentation must include raw scores, as well as subtest scores, of all previous testing.
5. My IEP waived the foreign language requirement while in high school. Will SDSU accept this documentation and waive the foreign language requirement, or any other requirement, for admission?
No. SDSU does not accept IEPs, nor will they waive any requirement because of it.
6. I would like to transfer to SDSU from my community college. However, I have been unable to meet the math requirement for GE certification. Can SDS help me waive this requirement because of my disability?
SDS is unable to modify the requirements for admission into SDSU.
7. Since I received accommodations while I attended the community college, will I receive the same ones when I attend SDSU and register with Student Disability Services?
No, not necessarily. The criteria for assessing disability vary among high schools, colleges, and universities. For this reason, accommodations can also vary depending on how SDS evaluates documentation that is provided.
8. Will SDS help me modify my course requirements once I am accepted to SDSU?
Depending on the severity and limitations of your disability, you may be eligible for a course substitution.
9. Does San Diego State University waive course and/or test requirements for students with disabilities?
No. All students must meet both the course and test requirements for graduation. In rare instances, students may petition to have a graduation requirement substituted with appropriate coursework for disability- related reasons.
10. How do I notify the university that I have a disability and need accommodations?
After you receive notification of your provisional admission to SDSU, or if you are currently an enrolled student at SDSU, please visit Apply to SDS to learn which forms and documentation must be submitted. Once completed forms and documentation are submitted to Student Disability Services, the review process will begin and you will be contacted once eligibility has been determined.
11. Is the confidentiality of a student’s records/status maintained through the Student Disability Services office?
No information is released to outside parties from Student Disability Services without written consent from the student. Furthermore, no record of disability status appears on any academic transcript or permanent document maintained by the Office of the Registrar.
Student Disability Services practices the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a law that protects students' educational records and prevents the improper disclosure of these records. As an SDS student, you must sign a release of information and specify the individual you are authorizing the release of disability-related information. Without your authorization, we will not disclose information to faculty, staff, or parents.
12. How long are a student’s records maintained in the Student Disability Services office?
Documentation of a permanent disability is maintained for five (5) years. Documentation of a temporary disability of more than 3 months is maintained for up to one (1) year. After this time, documents are destroyed and cannot be retrieved by the University. Students are asked to retain copies for their own records.
13. Are the Residence Halls accessible and available to students with disabilities?
Yes. When requesting on-campus housing, indicate on your housing application any special accommodations (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, doorbell and telephone signalers, etc.) you may require.
14. Is there a fee for services through the Student Disability Services office?
No. Services are authorized appropriate to each student's disability and provided without charge.
15. Are there special financial aid packages, scholarships, etc. available to students with disabilities?
Information regarding financial assistance and a small number of scholarships specifically for students with disabilities is available from the Office of Financial Aid Office and Scholarships. You may also visit the SDS homepage, which features a link with scholarships for students with disabilities. Other resources may include the State Department of Rehabilitation and the Social Security Administration.
16. Does the University have specific course requirements for students with disabilities?
No. There are no specific course requirements for students with disabilities and the requirements for graduation are clearly listed in the San Diego State University catalog.
17. Where do students with disabilities obtain academic advising?
Academic advising is available to all students at the University Academic Advising Center located in Student Services West-1551. Please visit the Office of Advising and Evaluations for additional information.
18. How do I go about using the services offered by Student Disability Services?
Once your eligibility for services has been determined, you will be notified by mail. This letter will include information regarding your next step in the eligibility process.
