Graduate Students

Accessibility Support for Graduate Students

At the University of Guelph, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to ensuring that graduate students with disabilities have equal access to their academic and research experiences. Whether you need accommodations for coursework, research responsibilities, or thesis defences, SAS can provide individualized support to help you succeed. 

Our services include academic accommodations, assistive technology, and support for navigating accessibility in research roles. If you are a new or returning graduate student with a disability—whether permanent or temporary—our team can help you explore available resources and develop a personalized accommodation plan.

To get started, learn more about the registration process, available supports, and how we can assist you in achieving your academic and professional goals.

Register with SAS

Eligibility & Registration

Graduate students with disabilities—permanent, temporary, or episodic—may be eligible for academic accommodations and support through Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Accommodations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining the academic integrity of your program.

Who is Eligible?

You may qualify for accommodations if you have:

• A documented disability (physical, sensory, mental health, learning, or chronic health condition).
• A temporary disability (e.g., concussion, injury, short-term medical condition).
• A suspected but not yet diagnosed disability—support may still be available while you seek assessment.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to connect with SAS for guidance.

Steps to Register with SAS

Already Registered and Looking to Update Accommodations:

If your needs change, or if you require adjustments to existing accommodations, schedule a follow-up appointment with your SAS advisor anytime.

Need Help? Contact SAS at sas.intake@uoguelph.ca 

Additional Information:

• Confidentiality: The information you share with Student Accessibility services about the nature of your disability is confidential. If we need to involve faculty in the accommodation process, we only do this with your consent. Read more on our privacy and confidentiality page.
• Previous Admissions: If you experienced a disability during your previous degree(s) that was not accommodated and negatively affected your academic standing for admission purposes, please contact us at sas@uoguelph.ca. You will be connected with a member of our team who can discuss how we can support you in the admission process.
• Current U of G Students: To register for services and accommodations with Student Accessibility Services, please fill out a SAS Application Form. You will also be asked to provide supporting documentation.
• Qualifying & Comprehensive Exams: Students registering with SAS frequently have disabilities that affect them in many aspects of their academic lives, including exam situations. With an understanding of your abilities, we can work with you to develop a plan to ensure your exams are accessible.
• Defence & Oral Exams: Student Accessibility Services has experience supporting students during their research defences and oral exams. Once registered with our office, please speak with your Student Accessibility Services Advisor.
• Accessible Academic Materials & Software: We work closely with Library Accessibility Services around accessible academic materials, including journal articles, textbooks, videos and many other resources. We can also help with assistive software and device recommendations to help make content more accessible.
• Accessible Spaces: The University of Guelph campus has many buildings - some newer and some older. While many buildings are accessible, there are still some areas where work is being done to improve access. We can help ensure all of the academic spaces you need to access are accessible.
• Deadlines and Timelines: Many graduate programs require students to do considerable work independently, with specific timelines or deadlines. This can be particularly challenging for students with episodic disabilities or the onset of a new disability. We can help navigate these requirements.
• Navigating Support Services: Student Accessibility Services works in collaboration with other service providers in Student Wellness (e.g. Counselling and Health), as well as many campus partners. We can help you find the supports you need. Accommodations are often as unique as each student we serve. Please let us know what we can do to support you.

Helpful Student Wellness Quick-Links: 

• Grad Student Support Circle (GSSC)
• Same Day Drop-In Counselling
• Mental Health Resources
• Peer-to-Peer Drop-in Support (Student Support Network)
• International Students and ELP Counselling Options
• Academic Support
• Therapy Groups