Reasonable Accommodations in Practicums, Internships and Field Placements

Xavier University supports students with disabilities and encourages their full participation in all academic programs, including field placement of all kinds. “Field placements” for the purpose of this document includes practicums, field experiences, internships, student teaching, clinic or other work experiences required as part of the student’s academic program. 

If a student requires accommodations during their field placement, it is the student’s responsibility to request them in advance. Because field placement accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, advanced notice is required so Disability Services (ODS) can work with the instructor, field placement coordinator, and field site personnel to develop an appropriate accommodation plan. Students should make their request for field placement accommodations as soon as possible and no later than three (3) weeks before starting at the site.

Student Responsibilities

• Meet with the instructor or the coordinator of the field placement program/site as early as possible to obtain more information about the expectations for the specific field placement site and determine if accommodations are needed. You may ask your ODS advisor to join this meeting.
• Meet with your ODS advisor as soon as possible when you find out you will be taking a course that includes a field placement to discuss your questions or concerns regarding accommodations.
• Students are not required to use accommodations during their field placement (internship, etc.). However, there are no retroactive accommodations for grades or performance.

It is the student’s responsibility to find transportation to the field placement site unless transportation is being provided for all students.

Things to consider: 

Site Selection – The selection of an internship site may be a key factor in providing an optimal environment for academic and professional development. Students and Field Placement Coordinators should review potential sites based on the nature of the work environment and the responsibilities agreed upon between each site and academic supervisor. Students must identify the most critical factor or factors in determining their ideal placement. Disability accommodations should be one of the considerations.

Application/Interview Process (if Applicable)

If an application or interview is required prior to acceptance into a field placement, and the student needs an accommodation to participate, the student is responsible for making the accommodation request to ODS and the Field Placement Coordinator as soon as possible.

Request for Accommodation in Field Placement – Students with disabilities are not required to disclose, nor may an institution inquire about, the presence of a disability unless the student is seeking reasonable accommodations. Students requesting accommodations must be registered with ODS.                    

Disability Access Services Responsibilities

• Meet with the student to discuss if there is a need for an accommodation and if needed, identify possible accommodations.
• Manage the interactive process between the student and the University, including those instructors from Xavier who are directly involved in facilitating the field placement. It is primarily the Xavier University field placement coordinator’s responsibility to meet with the field site personnel to discuss accommodations. ODS is involved if requested by the Xavier University field placement coordinator. Below is clarification of individuals who may be involved in the process:
• Xavier University: field placement coordinator, department, instructor, on-site personnel
• Field site personnel: persons at the field site responsible for implementing reasonable accommodations.
• Work with the student and Xavier field placement coordinator to define field components and accommodation needs.
• Provide consultation services to the Xavier State field placement coordinator prior to placement, and if needed and requested, accompany the Xavier field placement coordinator and the student to visit the assigned site.
• Provide consultation services to the student, instructor, and Xavier on-site personnel during the field placement. Consultation can also be provided directly to the field site personnel in partnership with the Xavier field placement coordinator.
• Provide consultation services when adjustments to the accommodation plan may be required or when questions arise concerning what reasonable accommodations are.

Xavier’s Field Placement Staff and Instructor Responsibilities

• Add the Xavier disability nondiscrimination statement to any field placement agreements.
• From the beginning, have clear written competencies and expectations for activities and behavior while at a field placement site.
• Work with ODS in considering the specific needs of the student and help identify what reasonable accommodations can be made while meeting the essential components and/or essential eligibility requirements of the placement. Assist with developing an accommodation plan in consultation with the student and ODS.
• Respect the confidentiality rights of the student with a disability. Provide the details of reasonable accommodations only to those who need to know, including those at the field site, in order to provide requested accommodations. This does not necessarily mean providing information about the students’ specific disability.
• Discuss accommodations with the field site supervisor. If a supervisor seems unwilling or unable to respond to the University’s legally mandated requirements, then Xavier has the responsibility to find an alternative placement for the student.
• If a student has any discrimination concerns, please advise the student to contact Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources or Chief Inclusion Officer:
• Discrimination by student report to: Chief Inclusion Officer and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, University Center, Suite 208, 504-520-7229.
• Discrimination by faculty or staff should report to: The Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Xavier South Suite 410, 504-520-5281.
• Please Reporting a Student Concern / Filing a Formal Complaint @Xavier University of Louisiana (xula.edu) for Student Complaint Procedures (both Formal & Informal Processes)

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