Student Disability Services
Explore GCU’s Student Disability Services
In accordance with the university's mission and vision, the goal of the Student Disability Services Office is to provide equal access to all GCU programs, systems and facilities for students with disabilities. The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Who Is Eligible:
Accommodations
GCU provides reasonable accommodations in adherence with local, state and federal laws. To receive accommodations through GCU, you must self-identify to disclose your disability to Student Disability Services (SDS) and follow the steps to receive accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive. Approved accommodation requests submitted after courses have begun will be effective as of the date your completed request and supporting documentation were received by SDS.
To complete an Accommodation Request, students can access the form online at sds.gcu.edu
a. Students will need their student ID number in order to complete the form. If the student has an issue accessing the form for any reason please contact the SDS office directly.
- The final step to accommodations is for the student to provide supporting documentation. They can email the documentation or fax it to 602-589-2652.
SDS begins processing your request when all documents are received. Submit all documents at least two weeks (10 working days) prior to the start of your courses to allow adequate processing time.
Maintaining Your Accommodations
eBook Requests Accommodations Policy
Service Animal / Assistive Animal Requests
Housing Accommodations Policy
Resources
Accommodation Grievance Policy
Accommodations are determined on an individual basis. Students are required to engage directly with the SDS Office in the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. The student of record/individual seeking the accommodation must be directly involved in the process; 3rd party requests cannot be reviewed. If the student feels they need additional or alternate accommodations other than what was initially approved, they should follow the accommodation grievance procedure, as outlined below.
- Accommodation Review: Students should discuss the request with their assigned SDS Administrator and SDS Manager. Students should be prepared to consider alternative solutions. Other university policies and mitigating circumstances may apply when reviewing any request for accommodations.
- Full SDS Case Review: If the student is not satisfied with the proposed options from step one, they may submit their accommodation request/request a meeting with the Director of SDS. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, the student may then submit a formal accommodation grievance.
- Accommodation Grievance: A formal complaint regarding a decision made by the SDS Office must be made in writing and submitted to the Institutional Access and Compliance Office at sdsedc@gcu.edu.
Steps one and two must be completed prior to submitting an accommodation grievance. An accommodation grievance must be submitted within 30 days of Full SDS Case Review Resolution.
The formal complaint must include the following:
Upon receipt of a written complaint, the Institutional Access and Compliance Office will initiate a review, which may include an interview with the complainant, a review of any relevant materials submitted by the complainant and obtaining information from relevant colleges/departments/individuals, etc.
The Accommodation Review Board will conduct a thorough review and issue a determination regarding the student’s request. The length of the review may vary. Pending the outcome of the Accommodation Grievance review, the previously approved accommodations will remain in place. The student will be notified in writing of the Accommodation Review Board's decision. This will be considered the final determination of the university.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Connection
Students with ASD often face challenges in accessing educational support due to limited awareness and lack of services. Many families and students are unaware of the full range of resources, and some students may avoid seeking help to avoid stigma. In the pursuit of accommodating all students, GCU offers individualized support through the SDS for ASD students.
Here are some of the resources offered by GCU to support our neurodivergent students:
One-on-one coaching
Academic support (e.g., reserved time with math and writing tutors)
Social opportunities in smaller, less overwhelming settings
Peer support (e.g., student workers accompanying students to clubs)
Time management and community-building events
Begin your time at Grand Canyon University by applying online to get started!
Disability Compliance
Grand Canyon University strives to ensure equal access for individuals with a disability to its programs, events, systems and facilities. GCU fully complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, and has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. Any participants, beneficiaries, applicants, or employees, including students, staff, faculty and visitors who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability (or is unsatisfied with accommodations provided by SDS) may file a grievance utilizing the procedures outlined in the Title IX and Non-Discrimination Policy.
- GCU encourages students and campus visitors with concerns about a disability-related issue to first discuss the matter with the SDS Office, who will attempt to facilitate a resolution. The SDS Office can be reached at DisabilityOffice@gcu.edu or 602-639-6342.
- Employees and applicants for employment, on the other hand, are encouraged to first contact the HR Service Center regarding disability-related issues at hr@gcu.edu or 602-639-6549.
The full grievance procedure is outlined in the Title IX and Non-Discrimination Policy, as posted the University Policy Handbook. In addition, the University requires that all faculty and staff of Grand Canyon University understand this policy and provide the appropriate guidance for individuals who believe they may have been discriminated against based on a disability issue. The 504 Coordinator is responsible for overseeing efforts to comply with these disability laws, including responding to grievances and conducting investigations of any allegation of noncompliance or discrimination based on disability.