If you have a documented disability and need your textbooks or other course materials in an alternate format, let us know before or during the first two weeks of the semester.

Before requesting this accommodation, make sure to get a copy of the syllabus and all required readings.

To maximize your support, consider reaching out to organizations specializing in assistive technology, like Learning Ally and State Services for the Blind. They may be able to help you along with the services you receive from BSU.

If you need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, the university will provide one for you.

To make sure an interpreter is available, let us know as soon as possible. Request ASL interpreting for your courses after priority registration, but no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Once you’re enrolled for the next semester, send your schedule to Accessibility Services right away. As a deaf student, you’ll have priority registration each semester. Make the most of this opportunity and register early, then send us your schedule as soon as you can.

We’ll arrange in-person interpreting or video relay, depending on the course. You’ll be informed which option is best for you.

If you want an ASL interpreter for a BSU-sponsored event, such as a theatre production, conference, meeting or presentation, let us know at least two weeks in advance. This gives us enough time to find a qualified ASL interpreter for you.

If you are seeking housing accommodations, submit the application for accessibility services. Accessibility Services will then send you the proper documentation to complete and Housing & Residential Life will work with you to address your needs.

In lecture-based classes, students may request to record lectures for their personal study use after class. Students with disabilities who struggle with taking notes in real-time can benefit from this additional aid for processing information and learning. Students are encouraged to provide their own audio recording device as devices available for rent are limited.

If you need help with class notes, Accessibility Services can provide a note taker for you. A note taker is a fellow student enrolled in the same course as you. They’ll be hired to take notes for you. You can then pick up your notes at the Student Success Center reception desk.

Simply bring in your documentation indicating this need to your first meeting with Accessibility Services. You must request this accommodation within the first two weeks of your course.

Even if you have a note taker, it’s important to attend your classes regularly, unless your absence is related to your disability. If that’s the case, make sure to let the Accessibility Services Office know before the course starts.

Students with disabilities can request preferential seating in the classroom to support their learning experience. This may include a seat close to the instructor or the board, or near an exit door, depending on the student’s needs. The instructor should be notified of the request and work with the student to accommodate their needs.

Priority registration is available to you if you have a documented disability.

With priority registration, you can register for courses early, giving you time to prepare in advance. This includes purchasing textbooks for taping of materials and hiring ASL interpreters if needed.

To receive priority registration, make sure your disability record is on file with Accessibility Services.

If you have a documented disability and need a scribe for quizzes or exams, let Accessibility Services know within the first two weeks of the semester. Your documentation should clearly explain why you can’t write the exams yourself. Once on file, a scribe will be provided for you during quizzes and exams.

Sometimes the classroom setting is the barrier for taking tests or quizzes. Eligible students may request to take their tests or quizzes in a more privately proctored space such as the testing center.

Bemidji State University offers travel abroad opportunities for enrolled students. However, accessibility may be limited in some countries without civil rights ordinances.

Contact Accessibility Services and the head of the desired travel program in advance to assess accessibility. Terrain in some countries may make tour places inaccessible.