Prospective Students

We encourage prospective students to become familiar with ACCESS by browsing our web pages, visiting with ACCESS staff at Open Houses or other Admissions events, or if time permits, visiting ACCESS while on campus. You can arrange a visit with an ACCESS staff member by contacting us in advance.

If you are planning on applying to the Universtiy of Vermont, here are a few tips and things to think about in preparing your application

• Eligibility for ACCESS services
• Admissions: Disclosure of a Disability
• Foreign Language Waiver
• Getting Oriented to UVM and ACCESS 

Eligibility for ACCESS services

Though admissions officers may occasionally contact ACCESS with disability related questions about a student's application, ACCESS does not make a final determination of admission. If a student does not meet the admissions requirement for a foreign language, ACCESS would certify the foreign language waiver.

Documentation Guidelines that clarify what needs to be submitted

An IEP is not typially sufficient documentation to get services at college, an IEP can be a helpful planning tool, but isn't enough documentation to determine eligibility. Likewise, not having an IEP doesn't mean a student cannot get services; eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Admissions: Disclosure of a Disability

Many applicants with disabilities choose to discuss this aspect of their lives in admissions application essays, or it is sometimes apparent in other parts of the application packet. Information about a disability is always welcome as a way of explaining one's identity and life experiences, or to shed light on skills and aptitudes. Disclosing a disability will not negatively impact a student's standing in the applicant pool.

Disclosing a disability is voluntary. Applicants are not required to discuss or disclose disability information when they apply to receive accommodations; accommodations and services can still be requested by eligible admitted students at any point after they enroll at the University.

Foreign Language Waiver

If a student is eligible for a waiver of the foreign language requirement for admission, a student must submit documentation to the ACCESS office for review by one of our learning specialists. To initiate the foreign language waiver, please contact ACCESS.

Getting Oriented to UVM and ACCESS

1. Set up an appointment:
• Once you are a newly admitted student you must attend an on-campus Orientation session in June. While you are here for orientation we encourage every student who intends to use ACCESS services to meet with a learning specialist. 
• If you disclosed a disability on your application, we will most likely be in touch to see if you would like to schedule an appointment, submit documentation, or meet with anyone in our office.
• If it is after orientation, please contact ACCESS to schedule and appointment.
2. Submit documentation
• Before you meet with a specialist, you will need to submit documentation of a disability.