Students

The Disability Resource Center serves MSU students will disabilities. The DRC staff works to provide individualized accommodations and support services while promoting student responsibility and self-advocacy. It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify their need for academic accommodations and services by completing the following steps: 

  • Submit an application and provide appropriate documentation of the disability to the DRC,
  • Formally request accommodations during an accommodation meeting,
  • Send Notification Letters to instructors through the Banner portal, and
  • Meet with each instructor to discuss the implementation of accommodations.

Once a students has been accepted to the University, the process of registering with the DRC can begin.

  • An application for accommodations can be submitted through the student’s Banner account. Please review the application process at Applying for Accommodations.
  • In order to provide appropriate documentation, communication the Documentation Guidelines with the student’s health care provider. 
  • The DRC will send all correspondence via Bully Mail, so it important for students to check their email often. 

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

Students with disabilities attending colleges and universities are entitled to the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as all students at the institution. Students entering the post-secondary setting must be aware that they are now responsible for identification, advocacy, planning, decision-making, transitioning, and accommodation implementation. It is important for students with disabilities to understand their rights and responsibilities as it relates to their disability in the academic setting. 

Student Responsibilities

  • Meet qualifications and maintain essential institutional standards for courses, services, and campus activities
  • Follow the proper procedures for applying for the Disability Resource Center including submission of appropriate professional medical/psychological documentation of their disability that details the functional limitations caused by the disability found at https://www.drc.msstate.edu/ 
  • Read and respond to all correspondence from the Disability Resource Center in a timely manner
  • Apply for services in a timely manner and allow reasonable time for the disability staff to review documentation and implement arrangements prior to the need for accommodations
  • Submit notification of disability to professors at the beginning of each academic semester
  • Plan and schedule accommodations with professors/instructors
  • Submit test requests (if applicable) in a timely manner in order to receive testing accommodations (no later than three business days prior to test)
  • Notify the Disability Resource Center if the approved accommodations are not working, need to be amended, or are no longer needed
  • Notify the Disability Resource Center if they are having problems receiving accommodations or if they are experiencing discrimination based on their disability
  • Abide by the Mississippi State University Student Code of Conduct found at https://www.policies.msstate.edu/sites/www.policies.msstate.edu/files/9…;

Student Rights

  • The right to not self-identify as a student with a disability if accommodations are not needed in a particular course
  • The equitable opportunity to participate in and benefit from employment, courses, facilities, programs, and campus activities
  • Appropriate confidentiality of all documentation regarding their disability and to whom they choose to disclose this information to, except as required/permitted by law
  • The right to challenge decisions regarding accommodations
  • The right to issue a complaint regarding accommodation requests they feel are not being met