Accommodations

Accommodations Information

Students requesting disability accommodations at San Francisco State University (SFSU) must register with the Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) to ensure that their accommodations are appropriately communicated and implemented across the University.  

Registration enables DPRC to review documentation, assess accommodation needs, and coordinate support with University faculty and staff.  

How to Request Accommodations 

 

Step 1: Complete the DPRC Registration Form 

Submit the myDPRC portal., a brief online questionnaire that asks about your disability and/or health condition, its impact on your academic experience, and any accommodations you would like to request. 

Complete the Registration Form 

  • Complete as many questions as possible. The information you provide helps a DPRC Specialist determine your eligibility for accommodations and identify appropriate support services. 
  • If you are unsure how to answer a question, provide as much information as you can. A DPRC Specialist can discuss any additional information needed during the initial  process.

 Step 2: Submit Disability Documentation (if available) 

While completing the Registration Form, provide documentation that establishes both the existence of a disability or temporary health condition and its functional impact in an academic environment. 

Documentation is used to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations. SFSU's Documentation Guidelines outline the information that may be required to establish the presence of a disability or temporary health condition. 

  • If you have documentation available, please submit it as early as possible. Early submission may help expedite the review process. 
  • If you do not currently have documentation, you may still submit the Registration Form and begin the intake process. 

Note: If a disability is readily apparent and the need for accommodations is clearly established, additional documentation may not be required. 

To request your accommodations for each semester, please complete the following steps in your myDPRC Student Portal: 

 

Step 3: Meet with a Disability Specialist  

After submitting the registration form, a DPRC staff member will contact you to schedule an initial meeting. During this appointment, a Disability Specialist will:  

  • Confirm your DPRC registration form and documentation submission  
  • Review DPRC and student rights and responsibilities (add to webpage-doc in box)  Rights and Responsibilities - Adobe cloud storage 
  • Conduct an appointment to explore eligibility for services  
  • Schedule follow-up appointments if necessary  
  • Address questions about the accommodation process  

Appointments are generally between 30- 50 minutes and scheduled in advance, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meetings can be conducted in person, by phone, or via Zoom when appropriate.  

 Initial appointments are not held during Drop-In Hours. Drop-In Hours are intended for brief 10–15 minute consultations.  

Timeline for Registration  

 The registration process may take approximately one to five weeks depending on:  

  • The nature of accommodation requests  
  • Student response time
  • Availability of supporting documentation  
  • Appointment scheduling during peak periods  

 

Newly admitted students should begin registration after confirming admission to SFSU.  
Current students should contact DPRC as soon as a barrier or need is identified.  

Once accommodations are approved, they apply proactively rather than retroactively. Early registration is strongly recommended.  

 

  1. Log in to your myDPRC portal.
  2. Review and complete any required eForms. 
  3. After completing all required eForms, go to the Accommodation Requests section on your myDPRC Dashboard. 
  4. Select List Requests and choose the semester for which you would like to request accommodations. 
  5. Click the blue course link (located under the box with the plus sign). 
  6. For each course, select the accommodations you intend to use during the semester and submit your request. 

Once your accommodation requests have been submitted, myDPRC will automatically generate and send Accommodation Letters (Faculty Notification Letters) to your instructors. These letters will inform your instructors of the approved accommodations you have selected for each course. 

Additional Accommodations Information

The section provides an overview of some of our common accommodations.

Students (handlers) with service animals are not required to notify DPRC of their use of a service animal prior to coming to campus, however, it is highly recommended. 

Students requiring other types of assistance animals (emotional support, therapy, comfort, companion, etc.) must: 

  • Submit an accommodation request and have an accommodation approved prior to bringing their animal to campus.  
  • DPRC strongly advises students not to adopt or move an animal until approved, and/or consider a back-up plan for where the animal will be housed. 
  • Assistance animals are limited to residential students who need to successfully participate in the Residential Life and Student Housing programs and are not permitted in campus buildings and classrooms outside the student’s immediate residence.  
  • Go to the Housing Accommodations page to learn how to request disability-related accommodations for on-campus housing. 
  • Read more about assistance animals in CSU Guidance for Faculty and Staff Regarding Service Animals (PDF). 
  • Learn about different campus departments' responsibilities regarding Emotional Support Animals. (link to policies and procedures page) 
  • Read the CSU Policy on Emotional Support Animals. 

If you experience disability-related symptoms that get in the way of your ability to concentrate or tolerate sitting for extended periods of time you may need the option to take a short break without disrupting others to alleviate disability symptoms during classes and exams. 

If you have a chronic health condition or a disability that is prone to periodic exacerbation (flare ups) of symptoms, you may be eligible for flexibility with attendance  and/or deadlines. It may include modification of attendance requirements and/or flexibility with assignment deadlines and in scheduling exams. Go to the For Faculty page to learn more.  

Students with visual disabilities may request an orientation to the campus. Please schedule an appointment with a DPRC specialist to set up this service. 

  • Students requiring a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) to accompany them on campus to assist with personal care needs in spaces where the public are generally not allowed, such as classrooms and/or in the residence halls, may be approved as a reasonable accommodation.  
  • PCAs are considered a personal service and are not provided by the university.  
  • A student's chosen PCA(s) will be required to successfully complete a background check before they are permitted to accompany a student. 
  • PCA(s) and the accompanying student must sign an agreement with the DPRC confirming rights and responsibilities and adherence with university policies, including the code of Student Conduct.  
  • Students who are unable to carry a full time unit load for disability-related reasons may be eligible for this accommodation.  
  • DPRC cannot guarantee you will keep the same financial aid eligibility as you would have on a full-time load. 
  • Please consult Financial Aid before implementing this accommodation. 

To help create a welcoming and accessible environment for all members of our community, we encourage practices that reduce exposure to scents and common allergens. Some individuals may experience health impacts from fragrances, scented products or environmental allergens, including headaches, respiratory difficulties, allergic reactions or other symptoms. 

Community members are encouraged to limit the use of scented products such as perfumes, colognes, scented lotions and other fragranced personal care items when participating in campus activities, meetings or services. Additionally, being mindful of potential allergens can help support the health and well-being of others. 

Creating a scent-conscious and allergen-aware environment helps promote accessibility, inclusion and comfort for everyone. 

If you anticipate experiencing a seizure at some point while in the classroom, we can provide you with a memo to share with instructors in advance about the appropriate protocol for responding when, and if, this occurs. Be sure and discuss your need for this accommodation with a DPRC specialist during your initial or follow-up appointment.