If a student disputes an academic accommodation decision, the student must first indicate in writing a request for their assigned Access Specialist to review their case again. This request for an additional review must be submitted within three (3) working days of the ARC accommodation decision in dispute. The student should provide any additional supporting materials they want the Access Specialist to consider in this request. The Access Specialist should respond with a decision regarding the dispute within three (3) working days of receiving the review request.

If, after the review, the student still disputes the academic accommodation decision, the student can formally appeal.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is committed to providing equal access to all its programs, services and activities for individuals with disabilities. UWM’s Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) facilitates this commitment for enrolled students by verifying a student’s disability and identifying the reasonable accommodation(s) that should be provided to the student or that are otherwise necessary to ensure equal access.

This Appeal Procedure is intended to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints involving disability determinations or accommodation decisions made by ARC.

Step 1. First Level Appeal

The student may appeal in writing to the ARC Access Team Manager, or another Access Specialist identified by the ARC Director. The student must specifically indicate in writing that they are raising an appeal pursuant to this Appeal Procedure. The student should include a clear and concise statement of the issue(s) requiring review and provide a copy of any supporting materials the student wishes the ARC Access Specialist Manager, or another Access Specialist, not assigned to the student to consider. This should occur within three (3) working days of the initial dispute review decision that prompted the formal appeal. The ARC Access Specialist Manager, or other Access Specialist, should respond with a decision in writing within three (3) working days of the receipt of the appeal.

Step 2. Second Level of Appeal

If the student is not satisfied with the result of Step 1, the student may appeal in writing to the ARC Director. This appeal must be received by the ARC Director within three (3) working days of the date of the Step 1 decision. The student should include the following information in their appeal: (1) a clear and concise statement of the issues to be reviewed, (2) a summary of steps taken by the student to resolve the issue(s), (3) a detailed description of the relevant facts, (4) names of persons with relevant information, and (5) a copy of relevant documents or other evidence. The Director will consult with appropriate parties and may meet with the student at the Director’s discretion. The Director will respond to the student in writing within three (3) working days.

Other Options

In addition to this Appeal Procedure, UWM has a policy that prohibits discrimination against students on the basis of disability called UWM’s Discriminatory Conduct Policy (S-47). The Discriminatory Conduct Policy provides a mechanism for students to file complaints with UWM’s Office of Equity and Diversity Services (“EDS”), which is charged with investigating such claims. Any student enrolled at UWM who believes that she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of disability (including, but not limited to, complaints involving accommodation decisions made by ARC) may file a complaint with EDS.