Mercer University is committed to ensuring that all programs, services, and activities are accessible to all students.
Students may request reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities and conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Mobility impairments
- Chronic health or medical conditions
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Psychological or mental health disabilities (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, reading, math, or processing disorders)
- Pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and medical conditions related to pregnancy
- Temporary injuries, illnesses, or recovery from surgery
To begin the accommodation process, students must voluntarily self-identify and submit an application through the Office of Access and Accommodation (AAO) at access.mercer.edu. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they are accepted to the University to allow adequate time for review and implementation of approved accommodations.
Accommodation requests are reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis following submission of the application, appropriate supporting documentation, and completion of an intake interview. Requests are processed in the order received. Eligibility determinations and accommodation plans are based on the information provided, the student’s functional limitations and impacts of the disability, and the academic expectations, essential requirements, and technical standards of the applicable program.
Students approved for accommodations must submit a semester request each term and meet with their instructors or program coordinators (for the Medical and Law Schools) to facilitate implementation of approved accommodations. Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to all accommodation-related policies and procedures available through Accommodate and the university policy webpage (policies.mercer.edu). Accommodations are not retroactive and cannot be applied to coursework, examinations, or other academic requirements, auxiliary services (dining), and residence life (housing) completed before accommodations have been approved and communicated.
The AAO serves as the office responsible for eligibility for all disability related accommodations. All documentation and records are maintained in a secure, confidential database. Information maintained by AAO is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the confidentiality provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The AAO also provides voter registration information and assistance to students upon request.
Students should promptly report physical accessibility concerns, including non-functioning elevators, inoperable accessible door openers, or other architectural barriers, to AAO. Students who believe they have been denied access to a university program, service, or activity, or who believe they have experienced disability-based discrimination, should contact the Office of Access and Accommodation for assistance and information regarding available resolution processes.
Further information on policies, procedures, and documentation requirements may be obtained by visiting our website at access.mercer.edu or contacting the AAO at 478.301.2810 or access@mercer.edu. Additional information, including Disability Grievance Procedures, may be found at access.mercer.edu.
For any questions or concerns, please contact AAO at 478.301.2810, access@mercer.edu, or 678.547.6479.