Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Jump to:

First-time Registering with SAS:

Visit our Get Started page for information on registering with SAS for the first time. 

1. Complete your application SAS Application Form via the SAS Student Portal. You will need your UofG login credentials and a Student ID.
2. Submit your documentation through the SAS Student Portal. Learn about the required documents and forms. 
3. Book an appointment with your SAS Advisor via the SAS Student Portal. You will be prompted after your application is complete. Learn about booking appointments with your SAS Advisor.
For a more detailed guide on how to get started with SAS, visit Registering with SAS for the First Time.

Documentation requirements vary depending on the nature of your disability and can be included during the application process or uploaded later. Please refer to our Documentation & Form Guidelines page or contact our office for additional assistance.
Access the SAS Application Form via the SAS Student Portal. You will need your UofG login credentials and a Student ID.
For a more detailed guide on how to get started with SAS, visit Registering with SAS for the First Time.
The Advisor will explain the accommodation process and answer your questions.

During your meeting with your Advisor, you’ll:
- Discuss your individual accommodations and support requirements
- Set-up classroom and exam accommodations as appropriate
- Review courses and disability-related support for each

It’s necessary to meet with your Advisor before accommodation eligibilities can be activated. Accommodations take time to set up, and Advisors’ schedules book up at busy times of the year. Please book your appointment when directed. Learn more about what to expect during your first Advisor meeting. 
Following the consultation, you and your Advisor will develop an accommodation plan that outlines the supports and services you will receive. Review typical academic accommodations. 
The frequency of meetings varies depending on your needs. It's recommended to meet with your Advisor as needed to review your accommodations and address any concerns.
The time frame varies depending on the completeness of your documentation and the volume of students registering. We recommend starting the SAS Application Form process as early as possible. Note, you will require your UofG Login Credentials and Student ID.
Yes, you need to provide documentation from a qualified healthcare professional or specialist that confirms your diagnosis and outlines the impact of your disability on your academic experience. If you suspect you have a disability or are in the process of getting assessed, please reach out to us as you may be eligible for interim accommodations. Please refer to our Documentation & Form Guidelines page for more information on these requirements.
We encourage you to contact SAS to discuss your situation. We may be able to provide guidance or alternative options.

You can contact SAS by:
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 56208
Fax: 519-824-9689
Email: sas@uoguelph.ca
In-person: Vaccarino Centre for Student Wellness in the John T. Powell Building (beside the Athletics Centre)
Yes, SAS Advisors can provide information and resources to assist you with the documentation process.

If I am unsure if I qualify, should I still contact SAS?
Yes! We encourage you to contact us. We can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.

 

Current SAS Students:

Visit our Current SAS Students page for more information. 

The frequency of meetings varies depending on your needs. It's recommended to meet with your Advisor at least once per semester to review your accommodations and address any concerns.

Registered students can access and manage their accommodations through the SAS Student Portal. This online platform allows students to request accommodations in their courses, book or modify Exam Centre bookings, access the SAS Notetaking Portal, submit documentation, and view their Accommodation Letter or Verification of Registration and Accommodations.

Help with navigating the portal is available through our SAS Student Portal guide, daily drop-in sessions, and email support at sasassist@uoguelph.ca.

Students requiring exam accommodations must book their exams through the SAS Exam Centre, adhering to specific deadlines and policies outlined on our website.

All test and exam bookings must be submitted at least 10 BUSINESS DAYS in advance and not later than the first business day of March, July, or November as appropriate for the semester.

For assistance with exam booking, modifications, cancellations, or missed deadlines, students can consult the online exam centre resources, attend a daily drop-in session, or contact Accessibility Assistants at sasassist@uoguelph.ca. Remember to cancel bookings to avoid a $30 no-show fee

If the coursework is due before the last day of classes, check the course outline for extension policies and then contact the instructor. If the work is due after the last day of classes, contact your program counsellor. If it is due to disability-related reasons, copy your SAS Advisor in these emails. Contact your program counsellor: Program Counsellors (UAIC)

If you already have a disability-related extension accommodation and are requesting an extension of 4 days or less prior to the original assignment deadline, please email your instructor. If the extension is longer than 4 days, beyond the original deadline, or you have had more than two extensions in that course this semester, contact your SAS Advisor.

If you do not have the disability-related accommodation extensions, contact your SAS Advisor via the SAS Student Portal.

Missed or unable to write the Midterm: Contact your instructor and copy your SAS Advisor on your email if the reason is disability-related. 

Missed or Unable to Write Final Exam: If the exam occurs before the last day of classes, contact the instructor and copy your SAS Advisor on the email if the reason is disability-related.

If the exam occurs after the last day of classes, contact your program counsellor and copy your SAS Advisor in your email if the reason is disability-related. 

Visit the SAS Exam Centre for more information on exam bookings

Remember to cancel your Exam Centre booking in the SAS Student Portal to avoid a no-show fee of $30 

First, try to discuss the issue directly with your professor. If the problem persists, contact your SAS Advisor for assistance. 

Students with disability-related concerns about their courses or academic programs should first contact their assigned SAS Advisor to discuss their specific needs and explore potential solutions. SAS Advisors can also assist with disability-related extension requests and referrals for assistive technology or alternate format texts. 

Other Types of Issues: 

  • Requesting a Deferred Exam or Other Academic Privilege 
  • Course Selection questions or difficulties 
  • Changing Majors or adding a minor 
  • Reduced course load impacting graduation 
  • Course Waivers 
  • Letters of Permission 

Contact your program counsellor: Program Counsellors (UAIC) 

SAS provides access to various assistive technology resources, including software, hardware, and training. Contact your SAS Advisor or visit the Library Accessibility Services (LAS) for more information.

Yes, SAS offers workshops and individual consultations on learning strategies and study skills. Contact your SAS Advisor to schedule an appointment or to learn more. The Library also offers various workshops and groups including: Writing Resources & Workshops Studying Resources & Workshops Supported Learning Groups (SLGs). View our upcoming workshops & events. 

Supporting Students with Disabilities (For Faculty):

Visit our Faculty page for information on resources for faculty and instructors. 

The SAS Faculty Portal allows you to view SAS students in your courses and the SAS-approved accommodations that they have requested in your courses. You can read the Faculty Notification Letter and view the student’s SAS Advisor, who can be contacted if you have questions or concerns about a student’s accommodations.  

In addition, you complete Alternative Testing Agreements in the SAS Faculty Portal, which provides key information about the tests and exams in your course to the SAS Exam Centre and allows you to securely upload a copy of your exam for them to access.   

Faculty members play a crucial role in implementing approved SAS accommodations in their courses, or reaching out to SAS Advisors to negotiate a reasonable alternative. This includes providing accessible course materials, facilitating exam accommodations, and ensuring an inclusive learning environment.

Learn more about typical academic accommodations.
See our Faculty Resources page for support and strategies.
Students registered with SAS will request what approved SAS accommodations they would like to apply to each course, and you will receive a faculty notification letter/email that identifies these accommodations. You will also be able to view the faculty notification letter in the SAS Faculty Portal.

Please note: Disclosure of a disability is entirely at the discretion of the student. SAS supports students in facilitating communication with instructors when needed.
Common accommodations may include: This is determined on an individual basis based on the unique disability-related functional limitations of the student.
You can ensure accessibility by:
  • Using clear and concise language.
  • Providing alternative text for images and multimedia.
  • Using accessible document formats (e.g., properly formatted Word documents, accessible PDFs).
  • Captioning videos.
  • Following WCAG guidelines.
View resources on creating accessible course content.
Exam accommodations may involve providing extended time, a quiet testing environment, or the use of assistive technology.

The SAS Exam Centre helps to administer exam accommodations for SAS students. Instructors are required to complete an Alternative Testing Agreement in the SAS Faculty Portal to ensure the Exam Centre is aware of the exam parameters and has a copy of the exam.

Work with the SAS Exam Centre to coordinate exam accommodations by contacting them at sas.exams@uoguelph.ca.
Contact SAS to discuss your concerns. SAS Advisors can provide guidance and clarification on accommodation requirements for specific students. Their contact information can be found in the SAS Faculty Portal where you view a student’s eligible accommodations.

Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 56208
Fax: 519-824-9689
Email: sas@uoguelph.ca
In-person: Vaccarino Centre for Student Wellness in the John T. Powell Building (JTP) (beside the Athletics Centre), Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Accommodation: A change in how a student accesses or demonstrates learning (e.g., extended time on tests, use of assistive technology). Accommodations do not change the essential requirements of the course or program.

Modification: A change in the essential requirements of a course or program. Modifications are not put into place at the university level.
It is essential to maintain the confidentiality of students' disability-related information. Discuss accommodations with students in a private setting, sharing information on a need-to-know basis only.

Privacy of student information: How to avoid potential privacy concerns
You can create an inclusive environment by:
  • Using inclusive language.
  • Providing diverse examples and perspectives.
  • Offering multiple ways for students to engage with the course material.
  • Being open to feedback and suggestions.
Yes, SAS offers workshops, training sessions, and online resources for faculty.

Visit our Faculty Resources page.
Implement the accommodations as soon as possible. Contact SAS if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact:
Phone: 519-824-4120 ext. 56208
Email: sas@uoguelph.ca