Non-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodation on the Basis of Disability

I. Scope

This policy applies to all George Mason University faculty, staff, students, university contractors, and visitors.

II. Policy Statement

George Mason University is committed to providing equal access to employment and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities.  George Mason University recognizes that individuals with disabilities may need reasonable accommodations to have equally effective opportunities to participate in or benefit from university educational programs, services and activities, and to have equal employment opportunities.  George Mason University shall adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as necessary to afford equal employment opportunity and equal access to programs for qualified persons with disabilities.  Retaliation, intimidation, coercion, threats, or interference with people who seek to exercise their rights, or who encourage or aid others to do so, is prohibited. Applicants for admission and students requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability should contact Disability Services at 703 993-2474.  Employees and applicants for employment should contact Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at 703 993-8730.  Visitors and participants in non-academic programs should contact the sponsoring department or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 703 993-8730.  Questions regarding reasonable accommodations and/or discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office.

III. Responsibilities

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is responsible for administering and monitoring George Mason University’s policy on non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability.  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and employing departments are jointly responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for employees.

Program units are responsible for providing accommodations for non-academic programs with the assistance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  Disability Services is responsible for determining reasonable accommodations for students. Academic departments and faculty members are responsible for providing those accommodations in cooperation with Disability Services.

Accommodation decisions made by program units or Disability Services may be appealed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. DEI’s determination is final.

IV. Compliance

Inquiries about or complaints alleging violation of the University’s Non-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodations on the Basis of Disability policy should be directed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  Aquia Hall 373, MS 2C2, Fairfax, VA 22030. Phone (703) 993-8730.

V. Dates

A. Effective Date:

This policy was originally approved April 20, 2006.

B. Date of Most Recent Review:

10/29/2020

VI. Timetable for Review

This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually.

Approved:

__/S__________________
Senior Vice President

__/S__________________
Provost

Date Approved: April 20, 2006

Revised: December 14, 2015

Revised: August 23, 2017

Revision Approved: November 14, 2018