law student services: Disability Services

Golden Gate University School of Law is committed to achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is the Law School's policy that enrolled students who have disabilities shall be given reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids and services in compliance with state and federal laws.

The Law School welcomes accommodation requests from students with all disabilities. If you have any questions please make your inquiry through the contact information below.

INTRODUCTION

APPLICATION PROCESS & FORMS

All accommodations must be supported by current documentation and assessment of the present condition of the student with disabilities. All students requesting accommodations must submit a new Accommodations Request form each semester, as well as current documentation of his/her disability from a qualified professional. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.

  • Step 1: Contact the Disability Services Coordinator and set up an appointment to discuss eligibility for services.
  • Step 2: After meeting with Disability Services Coordinator, fill out and obtain the following documents:
    • Accommodations Request Form
    • Disability Verification Form and obtain verification for your disability and assessment of your present condition.
    • Types of verification needed:
      • Physical Disability: Documentation from your physician detailing your present impairment and recommending specific academic accommodations.
      • Psychological Disability: Documentation from your psychologist/psychiatrist/therapist detailing your present impairment and recommending specific academic accommodations.
        Learning Disability: Cognitive-educational evaluation and testing results with recommendations
        • Attention Disability (ADHD): Cognitive-educational evaluation and testing results with recommendations. A request for ADHD may also be supplemented with a Learning Disability and ADHD Documentation Guidelines from a prescribing physician; however physician verification does not replace the requirement of cognitive testing.
          • Contact the Disability Services Coordinator for forms.
    • Step 3: Submit requested documentation to Disability Services Coordinator and after a review of the confidentiality policy, sign and submit the following three documents:
    • Step 4: After all documents have been received, the Disability Services Coordinator will verify your documentation and ensure your requests are reasonable and appropriate given your present impairment and functional limitations in the academic setting.
    • Step 5: The Disability Services Coordinator will email you to confirm approval of accommodation requests, suggest alternative accommodations, or deny your accommodations request. Please note that students may amend a denial with additional documentation.

Request Forms: Accommodations Request Form

SERVICES

At Golden Gate University, we offer a number of services and accommodations for students with disabilities. These include: course notes, reader and transcription services, ASL Services, electronic texts, mp3 recording devices, interpreters and real-time captioners, alternate media, and examination accommodations. Additionally, there are accommodations available for disabled students taking exams like the Bar Exam or the MPRE. Information about those accommodations, as well as the GGU Note Takers program can be found below.

Please note that although deadlines tend to coincide with the final filing date for the examination, students applying for bar accommodations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.


COURSE NOTES

Some students may require supplemental notes, and their colleagues are encouraged to assist by being note-takers. In exchange for providing this important service, note-takers are paid $75 for each course. Notes must be typewritten, clear and comprehensive, and must be submitted to the Disability Services Coordinator within 24 hours of the conclusion of class. To apply to be a note taker this semester, you must have a GPA of 2.5 or above except for Special Problems, Solving Legal Problems, and Legal Analysis classes, submit a GGU Note-Taker Application, and abide by all Note-Taker Responsibilities.


MPRE ACCOMMODATIONS

Law students with disabilities who would like to request accommodations for the MPRE should inquire early in their legal education about the application processes. The Disability Services Coordinator is happy to meet with students to review the process and provide verification of services received at the law school.


BAR EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS

Law students with disabilities who would like to request accommodations for the Bar Exam should inquire early in their legal education about the application processes. The Disability Services Coordinator is happy to meet with students to review the process and provide verification of services received at the law school.

FAQ

What should I do if I have a disability and want accommodations?

Please contact the Disability Services Coordinator to discuss your options at GGU School of Law. Even if you are unsure about whether you have a disability that can be accommodated, it is best to meet with the Disability Services Coordinator and discuss what resources may be available.


I am applying to GGU and have a disability. Are there any special procedures?

If you would like to discuss services at GGU School of Law, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Services Coordinator. However, disability services only begin once you are a matriculated student. As an applicant you have no obligation to reveal your disability, and once you have been accepted or matriculated, you are welcome to contact the Disability Services Coordinator to apply for services.


Do you provide testing for learning disabilities and/or ADHD?

The Law School does not provide on site testing for learning disabilities or ADHD. However, the Disability Services Coordinator can guide you through the process of finding a tester that suits your needs. The Law School does not fund these educational evaluations, but funding options may be available through the Financial Aid Office. Students are encouraged to meet with the Disability Services Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss these options.


Will my classmates know that I have a disability?

New students receiving disability services are often concerned that their colleagues will know about them receiving accommodations. Law Disability Services maintains a strong confidentiality policy and will provide accommodations while maintaining the privacy concerns of each student. Furthermore, GGU School of Law is known for embracing diversity, and students often feel comfortable sharing their diverse backgrounds, cultures, and disabilities with their colleagues which indubitably enrich the academic setting.


Is there accessible parking on campus? How can I access campus through public transportation?

There is no disabled parking on campus, but there are nearby parking lots that are accessible to all students, faculty, and visitors. Also, the campus is surrounded by metered parking, and with a current disabled placard, you are able to park in metered parking at no charge. GGU School of Law is also located within a block of BART, MUNI, and Transbay terminal, which provides multiple municipal transportation services.


I have a recent injury and would like to request accommodations. Can I receive services temporarily?

GGU School of Law supports an accessible campus for all students, including those who incur temporary disabilities. If you have a temporary injury, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the appropriate documentation requirements, and they will make their best efforts to assist you on campus.


Can I see the Disability Services Coordinator right now?

You may drop by to see the Disability Services Coordinator in room 3339 throughout the day and evening. However, it is highly recommended you make an appointment to make sure you both can meet during your available time.


Do I tell my professors about my accommodations?

As a student with a disability, you are welcome to discuss your disability and/or accommodations with your colleagues and/or professors. However, GGU School of Law has a confidentiality policy that prevents the Disability Services Coordinator from discussing your accommodations with professors. If there is an in class accommodation that the professor must be aware of, the Disability Services Coordinator will have you sign an express release for each specific professor and work with you on the best way to accommodate you under the particular circumstances.


My disability needs sometimes change. What can I do about this?

You are welcome to request an amendment to your current accommodations. Please contact the Disability Services Coordinator to discuss what additional documentation may be required.


Do I have to provide new documentation each semester?

If your documentation describes a permanent impairment, you may not have to provide new documentation each semester. Temporary or changing impairments may require new documentation each semester. The Disability Services Coordinator will inform you whether you need additional documentation. Every student, however, must submit a new Accommodations Request Form each term in order to receive services for the current term.


Does the Law School provide health insurance should I need to see a local physician or specialist?

Law Student Services has worked diligently to create an insurance program that best benefits its students. Please visit the link to learn more about health insurance options as a law student: Student Health Insurance

CONTACT US

We are more than happy to meet with students interested in applying for disability services or who have questions regarding disability services.

Please contact:

Rana Boujaoude, Esq.
Interim Senior Program Coordinator
Law Disability Services
536 Mission Street
Room 3339
E-mail: lawds@ggu.edu
Office: 415-442-7867
Fax: 415-495-6756