Academic Accommodations

  • For students with visual impairments, the College can provide:

    - Audio or electronic versions of course readings
    - Braille materials
    - Text-to-speech software
    - Note-taking support or software
    - Recorded or large-print examinations
    - Oral presentation of materials written on chalk boards
    - Other appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis

    For students with hearing impairments, the College can provide:

    - Course materials and assignment instructions in writing
    - Captions and/or transcripts for course videos or audio content
    - Live captioning (CART) for lectures, presentations, and discussions
    - ASL interpreters for lectures, presentations, and discussions
    - Student residences with flashing emergency signals that meet ADA requirements
    - Other appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis

    For students with chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, allergies, and other diseases, the College can provide:

    - Special dietary accommodations
    - Low-allergen housing options
    - Assistance communicating with faculty
    - Other appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis

  • For students with psychological disabilities, the College can provide:

    - Assistance establishing care with an on-campus therapist and/or psychiatrist
    - Special housing accommodations
    - Assistance communicating with faculty
    - Other appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis

    For students with documented Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or learning disorders, the College can provide:

    - Extended time on examinations
    - A reduced-distraction setting in which to take examinations
    - Audio or electronic versions of course readings
    - Note-taking support or software
    - Assistance with time management and executive functioning
    - Other appropriate accommodations on a case-by-case basis

    In addition, all students have access to College resources such as:

    - The Writing Workshop
    - The Math and Science Resource Center
    - Peer Tutoring
    - Health Services and Integrative Well-Being Services
    - Individual appointments with faculty, class deans, and student support staff

  • Reduced Course Load Petition:

    In the event that a Williams College student believes that a full course of study should be modified because of disability, the student may petition the Disabilities and Accommodations Advisory Group (DAAG) to be granted a Reduced Course Load Accommodation (RCL).  A Reduced Course Load accommodation permits students with documented need based on a disability to take three rather than four courses each semester.  Students approved for an RCL must still complete all academic requirements of the college (including passing 32 courses, completing a major, and completing all of the distribution requirements) in order to graduate.

    Such a petition must be accompanied by a statement from the student identifying the circumstances that have necessitated the request and a professional evaluation from a health care provider which addresses the rationale for a reduced course load. The petition may also be augmented by a recommendation from a Dean, though this is not required.  If the consideration of a student’s petition and supporting documentation leads to approval, the petition is forwarded to the Committee on Academic Standing which formalizes the approval by DAAG.

    When to File a Petition for a Reduced Course Load Accommodation:

    Petitions for the Reduced Course Load Accommodation are ideally made prior to the beginning of the semester in which the accommodation will apply.  Petitions for the Reduced Course Load Accommodation that apply to the current semester must be made prior to the end of the add/drop period. If a student wishes to submit a RCL petition for the current semester after the add/drop period, they must make an appeal in writing that will be submitted to DAAG.  DAAG must approve the appeal prior to a formal request for the RCL accommodation can be made.

    Semester-long Reduced Course Loads and Ongoing Reduced Course Loads:

    There are two types of reduced course load. Students may be approved for an ongoing reduced course load.  Students on an ongoing reduced course load should confer with Senior Associate Registrar Alan Hatton and with their class dean, at least once each semester to make plans for completing the degree.  Since the student will complete fewer than 32 Williams courses in eight semesters, the student will need to either take summer courses elsewhere or petition to take an additional semester(s) at Williams in order to complete their graduation requirements.  Note, however, that only Williams courses can be used for completing distribution requirements.

    Students may also be approved for a semester-long reduced course load.  This form of reduced course load will be approved for students whose need for a reduction in classes is short-term based on illness or a temporary exacerbation of chronic issues related to a disability.

    Students who are not approved for an ongoing reduced course load may be approved for a semester-long reduced course load as a means of determining whether an ongoing reduced course load is an appropriate means of accommodating the student’s needs.  Students who have been approved for a semester-long reduced course load are not prohibited from applying again for a semester-long or ongoing reduced course load accommodation.

    Reduced Course Load Tuition Policy

    Students on an approved reduced course load will pay no more than 8 semesters of the comprehensive fee charged by Williams.  After 8 semesters of payment to Williams and at the approval of the Dean of the College, tuition will be waived for continuing students.  Students will continue to be charged room, board, and fees according to the published rates.

For further information about specific academic accommodations in the classroom setting, please see the page on explanations of accommodations.