Academic Accommodations Hub

Welcome to the student and instructor portal for support resources and academic policies!

The purpose of support resources and academic accommodations is to ensure all students have a fair chance at academic success. These resources are for everyone; students have a right to use them, and instructors should be familiar with them. 

Remember that seeking help is a courageous thing to do—for yourself and for those who care about you.

Need urgent help?

In an emergency, call 911

For urgent mental health concerns after hours, call Counseling and Psychological Services(link is external) at 855-817-5667.

For urgent support related to sexual violence, call the 24/7 Care Line at 510-643-2005.

Guidance for instructors

Accommodations requests

Per Chancellor Christ's CalMessage on Student Accommodations: "The purpose of academic accommodations is to ensure that all students have a fair chance at academic success. The campus has well-developed processes in place for students to request accommodations, and students are encouraged to use these processes. We urge you to honor requests made within this framework.

Properly managing requests for accommodations can often require instructors to devote additional time and attention to meeting student-specific needs. We appreciate your cooperation and value the benefit it confers on our students."

Communicating with students regarding reasonable accommodation requests

Students are often hesitant to request accommodations. You can help by assuring them that reasonable academic accommodations are their right and exist in order for them to have a fair chance at academic success. Encourage students to request academic accommodations through the campus offices that exist for this purpose, and are staffed by professionals.

You can make it easier for students by including a link to this website on your syllabus and by using some or all of the following talking points when you go over your syllabus in class.

  • "Seeking accommodations is your right and an act of strength, not weakness. Seeking helping is a smart and courageous thing to do - for yourself and for those who care about you."
  • "In providing the accommodations, I won't ask and don't need to know the details of what might be affecting you. That's why we have offices that you can go to who will request the accommodation on your behalf." 
  • "In the event I suspect you need additional support, I may express my reasons for concern and remind you of the resources available."
  • "I'm a Responsible Employee, so if you share with me that you or another person has experienced sexual harassment/violence, I need to share that information with OPHD, our campus Title IX office. Confidential resources are listed on this webpage."

Faculty and staff are in a unique position to demonstrate care and compassion for students in distress. The purpose of the Gold Folder is to help you recognize potential symptoms of distress and identify appropriate campus resources to refer students to.

On this page:

Classroom climate | Academic integrity and honor code | Academic accommodations | Support resources | Conflict resolution and troubleshooting

Classroom climate

We are all responsible for creating a learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and respectful. The expectations in all classes are that students and instructors will live up to this responsibility, even during vigorous debate or disagreement, and that exclusionary or harassing behavior will not occur. If, as a student or GSI, you feel that these expectations are not being met, you can consult your instructors or seek assistance from the campus resources listed on this page. Instructors can also seek assistance in creating a healthy classroom climate.

Academic Integrity and Honor Code

The purpose of the Honor Code is to enhance awareness of the need for the highest possible levels of integrity and respect on campus, both within and outside the academic context. 

  • For questions about the Code of Student Conduct, contact the Center for Student Conduct at 510-643-9069, and sa.berkeley.edu/conduct

Academic Accommodations

The purpose of academic accommodations is to ensure that all students have a fair chance at academic success. Disability, or hardships such as basic needs insecurity, uncertain documentation and immigration status, medical and mental health concerns, significant familial distress, and experiencing sexual violence or harassment, can affect a student’s ability to satisfy particular course requirements. Students have the right to academic accommodations and to resources, without having to disclose personal information to instructors. 

The Academic Calendar and Accommodations(link is external) website provides an overview of accommodation rights: 

Support resources

The following campus offices offer support, and can help you understand students' rights and options regarding specific kinds of accommodations.

Note: while all of these offices listed keep your personal information private in adherence to the law and university policy, there is a reporting requirement in cases of gender discrimination or harassment (including sexual violence and harassment). Faculty, GSI’s, and all campus offices other than those marked “Confidential,” below, are considered “Responsible Employees,” meaning that they are required to share reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment with OPHD, the campus Title IX office. Unless there is imminent risk of serious harm, Confidential Resources cannot share information without your express consent, and receiving support from a confidential resource does not trigger a report to the university.

Basic Needs Center 

Center for Support and Intervention 

Advises students experiencing significant hardships and consults with faculty and staff who are concerned about students.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Health Services [Confidential]

Disabled Students’ Program 

Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) 

PATH to Care Center [Confidential]

Social Services at University Health Services [Confidential]

Conflict resolution, and troubleshooting

Students: If you encounter issues with your request for reasonable academic accommodations, contact the office that requested the accommodation on your behalf (such as DSP or Social Services), or contact one of the following offices

Student Advocate’s Office [Confidential]

  • Provides free, confidential, student-to-student assistance for undergraduate and graduate students navigating issues with academics, financial aid, accusations of misconduct, instances of harassment and discrimination, and other grievances within the scope of the university.
  • Phone: (510) 642-6912 |Website: advocate.berkeley.edu(link is external) | Email: help@berkeleysao.org(link sends e-mail)

Ombuds Office for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees [Confidential]

  • Confidential conflict resolution services, coaching, referrals, clarifying policies and procedures.
  • Empowering students to make informed decisions with the goal of resolutions that meet their needs.
  • Phone: (510) 642-5754 | Website: sa.berkeley.edu/ombuds