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Faculty Resources

Guidance for faculty to build inclusive, accessible learning environments at CSUMB.

SDAC

At Cal State Monterey Bay, inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of student success. The Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC) supports students with documented disabilities by coordinating accommodations and providing guidance to faculty. Faculty play a vital role in fostering learning environments where all students feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Faculty Information

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that qualified individuals be provided equal access to programs, services, and activities, SDAC supports CSUMB students and faculty in fulfilling academic accommodations.

Faculty Rights

Students with disabilities expect equal access and opportunities, not alterations in academic expectations. Clear academic requirements and course objectives are essential. Modifications may be needed in how a student demonstrates knowledge, but not in the academic proficiency standards.

The purpose of accommodations and modifications is “to reduce or eliminate any disadvantages that may exist because of the disability. Institutions are not required by law to waive specific courses or academic requirements considered essential to a particular program or degree.

SDAC's Role:

  • SDAC engages students in the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations based on verified disability documentation.
  • SDAC approves reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities while ensuring the integrity of the academic requirements. 
  • SDAC does not waive (exempt) courses that are required as an essential component of any curriculum.  
  • SDAC provides disability-related advising, refers students to on- and off-campus resources, assists with technology resources, provides training, and supports students' development of self-advocacy. 

Faculty's role:

To ensure equal access and inclusion of students with disabilities, by following the set faculty guidelines outlined in the Faculty Handbook and collaborating with SDAC and other campus supports.

 

Emergency, Conduct, and Accessibility Support for Faculty

The Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC) recommends that, at a minimum, your syllabus should include the following:

If you are a student with a disability that may impact your performance in this course, please make an appointment with the Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC) as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Upon receiving an authorized SDAC accommodation, please meet with your instructor to review your accommodations. For any questions, please contact the Student Disability and Accessibility Center at (831) 582-3672 or sdac@csumb.edu.

Classroom Practices for All Students

  • Begin with a lecture outline; end with key takeaways
  • Provide assignments in writing and verbally
  • Offer study guides and explain exam expectations
  • Allow audio recording for note-taking
  • Introduce new terms in context (on board or handout)
  • Encourage use of campus resources

Additional Considerations

For Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

  • Agree on attention signals in advance
  • Speak naturally and clearly
  • Use short, clear sentences
  • Be open to written communication when needed

For Students with Mobility/Physical Disabilities

  • Speak at eye level when possible
  • Respect personal space — don’t touch or lean on mobility devices
  • Ask before offering help
  • Clarify communication if needed

Designing Accessible Courses

  • Use accessible materials and digital formats whenever possible
  • The Center for Academic Technologies (CAT) can assist with proactive accessibility
  • The Student Disability and Accessibility Center (SDAC) provides individualized accommodations and accessible materials as needed

Encouraging Accommodation Requests

  • Include the SDAC syllabus statement
  • Make the syllabus available 6+ weeks before the semester
  • Remind students often about how to request accommodations

Responding to Hidden Disabilities

  • Never dismiss a student’s disclosure; listen respectfully
  • Ask how the condition affects learning and what support would help
  • Refer students to SDAC for official accommodations

Suspected Learning Disabilities

  • Refer students to SDAC for screening and support
  • SDAC can coordinate referrals and short-term learning strategies

Emergency and Crisis Support

In urgent situations:

  • Call 911 or University Police at (831) 655-0268
  • For student mental health crises, contact the Personal Growth and Counseling Center (PGCC) at (831) 582-3969. Trained counselors are available in Building 80, Health & Wellness Services.

Faculty are encouraged to connect students to PGCC when immediate emotional or psychological support is needed.

Conduct and Behavior Concerns

For disruptive or concerning student behavior:

  • Use the Maxient system to Report Concerning Behavior
  • Reports are reviewed by the Care Team and the Office of Student Conduct
  • If a disability may be involved, note it in the report — Student Conduct will coordinate with SDAC