Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation requests

How long does it take to become approved for accommodations?

The process is always available for students to apply for services throughout the year.  The Access Office seeks to quickly review students files (within ten business days) however, if there is missing information it will take longer. All information is reviewed in the order received and on a case by case basis.  There are peak times at the start of a semester when a large number of students are applying for services which can cause the time frame to be longer.

How will I know the status of my request?

Students will be contacted through their Mercer email upon the completion of their file review.

Testing

How far in advance do I need to schedule to take a test in the Access Office?

Please submit your request with 7 days notice for scheduling and arrangements to be made.  If you are unable to submit the request with 7 days notice we will accept requests on a case-by-case basis given available space in the office.

How do I request accommodations on a standardized test?

If you require accommodations on required admissions tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MAT, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT, you must contact the testing agency directly for their documentation requirements and deadlines for submitting your documentation.  The Access Coordinator may assist you with completing the application required by the testing agency.  This process should be started early as many testing agencies require updated or more extensive documentation than is required at the undergraduate level.

Service Animal or Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

What if you don’t like the animal, are allergic or are afraid of the animal?

Place yourself away from the service animal. Contact the Access Office if you have a disability related to the animal (allergy). If you are living in campus residence and your roommate has an animal you should speak with Residence Life Office.

What if the services animal or ESA barks, growls, or otherwise forgets it’s manners?

Find out what happened before taking action. Was the service dog stepped on, poked or performing its job (some alert their owners to oncoming seizures by barking once or twice)? If the animal’s unprovoked behavior is disruptive, threatening or destructive, you may ask the person to control the animal.  If they are unable to control the animal, you may ask them to remove the animal and contact MerPo.

What if other people complain about the animal being present?

Explain that the service animal is medically necessary and that federal and state laws protect the right of the person to be accompanied by the trained service animal in public places under most circumstances.

Department Of Justice animal fact sheet: https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html