Accommodation Appeal Process and Procedures

ADA / Section 504 Compliance

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), as an equal opportunity institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws related to nondiscrimination and equal access. This includes, but is not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. GPTC is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, no qualified individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any GPTC program or activity on the basis of disability. GPTC also prohibits discrimination against an individual because of the known disability of another person with whom the individual has a relationship or association.

To ensure compliance with applicable disability laws, GPTC engages in an interactive process to evaluate requests for reasonable accommodations. This process includes consideration of the unique requirements and essential elements of the course, program, or activity. A reasonable accommodation may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, or services that remove disability-related barriers without fundamentally altering essential course requirements, program objectives, or institutional standards.

Disability Services is responsible for reviewing and coordinating disability-related academic accommodations for eligible students. Questions or concerns related to accommodations should be directed to Disability Services. Disability Services serves as the College’s primary point of contact for evaluating accommodation requests and works collaboratively with faculty and other campus offices as needed during the accommodation review process and when addressing concerns related to accommodation determinations.

Disputing a Denial of an Accommodation

Step 1: Reconsidration

If your request for an academic accommodation is denied, you may request reconsideration by contacting Student Accessibility Services (SAS) within fourteen (14) calendar days of the original accommodation decision.

Email: accessibility@gptc.edu

To support your request for reconsideration, you should submit additional written information and/or documentation that further explains the functional need for the requested accommodation(s) and how the accommodation is necessary to provide equal access to programs, services, or activities at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

Supporting information may include, but is not limited to:

• Additional information explaining how the requested accommodation addresses disability-related barriers.
• Updated or supplemental documentation from a qualified healthcare or other appropriate professional.
• Examples or descriptions of barriers experienced without the requested accommodation.
• Any new information that was not available at the time of the original accommodation review.

Upon receipt of your request, Student Accessibility Services will review the additional information and may schedule a follow-up meeting with you to discuss the new materials or clarify any questions. A written determination will be issued within seven (7) business days of receiving the reconsideration request, excluding official college closures, recesses, and recognized holidays.

Step 2: Appeal

If you do not have, or are unable to obtain, additional information to support your request for reconsideration, or if the reconsideration process does not resolve your concerns, you may submit a written appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days of the reconsideration decision. If you choose not to request reconsideration, your appeal must be submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days of the original accommodation determination.

Written appeals should be submitted to:

Dr. Steven Transou
Dean of Student Affairs
Email: transous@gptc.edu

Upon receipt of your appeal, the Dean of Student Affairs will conduct an independent review of all relevant documentation and information related to your request. At your request, a meeting may be scheduled to discuss your concerns. The Dean may also consult with appropriate Georgia Piedmont Technical College personnel as necessary to ensure a thorough and equitable review.

A written decision will be provided within seven (7) business days of receiving the appeal. If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome, you may submit a final written appeal to:

Dr. Kristen Corkhill
Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: corkhillk@gptc.edu

The Vice President of Student Affairs will review the appeal and issue a final written determination. This decision constitutes the final step in Georgia Piedmont Technical College's internal accommodation appeal process.

False Allegations

Intentionally making false accusations can have a negative impact on the individuals involved and the community. An individual who knowingly and intentionally files a false complaint under this policy is subject to discipline.

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