DISABILITY RELATED APPEAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURES

The University of San Francisco Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Student Disability Services (SDS) strives to provide equal access and reasonable, appropriate assistance and services to qualified students with disabilities. The appeal process is designed to address disagreements, denials, or grievances regarding services, accommodations, or modifications to university academic practices or requirements.

Appeal Process 

If a student is dissatisfied with an accommodation decision, they are encouraged to resolve the matter by communicating with their disability specialist. Equitable resolution of the matter should be sought through this interaction. If after communicating with their specialist the student is denied an accommodation, and believes the decision was made improperly, they can request a reconsideration of the decision from the Reconsideration Panel. The Reconsideration Panel will be comprised of SDS specialists and directors, and will not include the student’s specialist. The Reconsideration Panel will review the student’s request and render a decision via email within [10] working days of receipt of the complaint. SDS reserves the right to extend this review/investigation period if conditions warrant. To request a reconsideration of the accommodation decision please make your request in writing to sds@usfca.edu. 

Reconsideration Panel Decisions

While the Reconsideration Panel decision shall be final, any student has the right to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education. The office will investigate and issue a Letter of Findings either supporting the student or the institution. To file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, please contact:

Seattle Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Telephone: (206) 607-1600
FAX: (206) 607-1601; TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

Alternatively, students may complete the OCR complaint form here:  https://ocrcas.ed.gov/

Retaliation against any persons filing a complaint is prohibited under state and federal law.

For complaints related to non-academic program accommodations, contact the Program Director or Department Chair of the program involved.

This process was revised in August 2026.