Students with Disabilities
National Louis University does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its educational programs, admissions policies, activities or employment policies. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination solely because of their disability, under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, places of public accommodations, state and local government services and telecommunications. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to Library and Learning Support or to the Director of the Offices of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
Academic Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
Library and Learning Support is the primary support system for students with disabilities, with the responsibility of coordinating academic accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and University policy. All academic accommodations provided are based on individual need and may need to be substantiated by supporting documentation. For information on how to request accommodations, please contact Learning Support at ADA.Section504@nl.edu or 312.261.3329.
Informal Complaint Procedure
If a student is comfortable doing so, s/he should speak first about the concerns with his or her faculty member, program director or college dean. In these discussions, a satisfactory resolution may be readily found.
An applicant who feels s/he has been discriminated against because of a disability and is uncertain about filing a formal complaint may wish to discuss the question informally with the designated Library and Learning Support Specialist at 312.261.3329. This informal discussion may result in the development of an approach enabling the student or applicant to deal with the situation or the complaint may be taken under formal review.
Formal Grievance Procedure
A student or applicant who decides to file a formal complaint should contact the University Ombudsman, 312.261.3461. If the grievance concerns the actions of the University Ombudsman, contact the Vice Provost of Advising and University Registrar at 312.261.3031. All other grievances will be promptly investigated and reviewed by the University Ombudsman. The purpose of the review is to determine if University policy and applicable federal and local law have been followed and, if not, to address the consequences that may have resulted and take appropriate corrective action. Information relevant to the matter may be requested from the involved parties. The University Ombudsman will provide a response notifying the student or applicant of the findings and recommendations.
A student or applicant who uses the complaint procedure must not be retaliated against for doing so. The student or applicant may choose another student, faculty or staff employee to accompany him or her through the procedure. The other student or employee may help to express the complaint. A student or applicant who finds that a complaint is not resolved to his or her satisfaction may appeal to the Director of Student Experience or Vice Provost of Advising and University Registrar. The finding and response from either of these officers is the final response for the University. Additionally, a student or applicant who believes that s/he has been harassed or discriminated against because of a disability can file a Charge of Discrimination at their regional U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. The Illinois regional office is located at 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1475, Chicago, IL, 60661. The Florida regional office is located at 61 Forsyth St. W, Ste. 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303.