Two students in the lab

Policy Statement

North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students. In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, NCMC provides reasonable academic accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.

This policy establishes the procedures by which students participating in Dual Credit programs may request and receive accessibility services and accommodations.

Definitions

Dual Credit Student

A Dual Credit Student is a high school student enrolled in an NCMC course that is offered through a partnership with the student’s high school and for which the student earns both high school and college credit simultaneously. Dual credit courses are typically delivered at the high school or through a contractual agreement between NCMC and the secondary school district.

Dual Enrollment (Dually Enrolled) Student

A Dual Enrollment Student is a high school student who enrolls directly in NCMC courses and earns college credit only. These courses are governed by NCMC academic and institutional policies and may be offered on campus or online.

Applicability

This policy applies to all students participating in NCMC Dual Credit programs who seek academic accommodations based on a documented disability. Dual Enrollment students should follow the same intake process as other NCMC students and work with the NCMC Accessibility Services Office (ASO) to determine eligibility and approved accommodations. 

Accessibility Services Procedures

  1. Eligibility Dual Credit Students who have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan through their high school may be eligible for accommodations in NCMC dual credit courses. Interested students should start the process with their high school to explore specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
  2. Information Sharing The high school will provide disability documentation, including the student’s current high school IEP or Section 504 Plan, to NCMC. Dual Credit students are not required to submit a separate application to the NCMC Accessibility Services Office (ASO).
  3. Determination of Accommodations The high school will provide initial, proposed accommodations to NCMC’s ASO. The ASO will determine reasonable accommodations under ADA/Section 504, which may differ slightly from the high school. Coordination of final, approved accommodations will be made in collaboration with the high school and college. Accommodations that would fundamentally alter course objectives or academic standards will not be provided (See Addendum A for examples).
  4. Implementation The high school will have responsibility to communicate the final, approved accommodation(s) to the instructor(s). Equipment needs, special software, services, or other items needed for the accommodation will be the responsibility of the institution where the class takes place. Instructors teaching a dual credit class will ensure implementation of the final, approved accommodations.
  5. Appeals Faculty reserve the right to appeal any approved accommodation that they believe fundamentally alters the course objectives or academic standards and/or changes the learning outcomes. Appeals will be handled by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Students who disagree with final, approved accommodations have the right to appeal to the high school or Vice President of Student Affairs, depending on which entity declined a requested accommodation.  If the appeal is based on the result of a faculty appeal, the decision of the faculty appeal is final. It is recommended that prior to appealing, the student meet with the high school and/or Accessibility Services Coordinator to discuss the decision. Students who believe they are not receiving their approved accommodation(s) should contact the high school immediately. The high school and college will work collaboratively to address any concerns to ensure accommodations are being received.
  6. Confidentiality All disability-related records and accommodation information shall be maintained in a confidential manner in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies.

Addendum A

K-12 Modifications Commonly Approved in Higher Education:

  • Extended time for exams and quizzes.
  • Preferred classroom seating.
  • Note-taking assistance.
  • Alternative formats for required instructional materials.

K-12 Modifications Not Commonly Approved in Higher Education:

  • Curriculum Modification Examples: Simplifying coursework, reducing the number of assignments, or altering test standards.
  • Alternate Assessment Standard Examples: Allowing a student to be graded on effort instead of achievement or using a pass/fail system.
  • Substantial Changes to Course Content Examples: Replacing core assignments or projects with alternative tasks.
  • Paraprofessional Support Examples: Providing a one-on-one aid to assist with work in the classroom or tutor.