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:
- ACCOMMODATION OF RELIGIOUS CREED(link is external)
- CONFLICTS BETWEEN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS(link is external)
- ABSENCES DUE TO ILLNESS(link is external)
- ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY(link is external)
- ACCOMMODATION FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING(link is external)
- READING, REVIEW, RECITATION (RRR) WEEK(link is external)
- COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES AND FINAL EXAMS(link is external)
- SEXUAL VIOLENCE/SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACCOMMODATIONS(link is external)
- HARDSHIP ACCOMMODATIONS(link is external)
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
- Assists students with urgent housing, food, or financial situations by appointment or drop-in
- Website: basicneeds.berkeley.edu(link is external)
- See HARDSHIP ACCOMMODATIONS(link is external)
Center for Support and Intervention
Advises students experiencing significant hardships and consults with faculty and staff who are concerned about students.
- Email: csi@berkeley.edu | Phone: (510) 664-4218 | Website: sa.berkeley.edu/csi
- See HARDSHIP ACCOMMODATIONS
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Health Services [Confidential]
- Free short-term and crisis counseling and psychiatry for students
- Phone: (510) 642-9494 | After-hours urgent support: (855) 817-5667 | Website: uhs.berkeley.edu/caps(link is external)
- See ABSENCES DUE TO ILLNESS(link is external) and ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY(link is external)
Disabled Students’ Program
- Students who need disability-related academic accommodations, or have questions about their eligibility, should contact DSP.
- Email: dsp@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) | Voice: (510) 642-0518 | TTY: (510) 642-6376 | Website: dsp.berkeley.edu(link is external)
- See ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY(link is external)
Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)
- The campus Title IX office; receives and addresses reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence.
- Email: ask_ophd@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) | Website: ophd.berkeley.edu(link is external) | Phone: (510) 643-7985
- See SEXUAL VIOLENCE/SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACCOMMODATIONS(link is external)
PATH to Care Center [Confidential]
- Affirming, empowering, confidential support for those who have experienced any forms of sexual and relationship violence, harassment, or stalking.
- Phone: (510) 642-1988 | 24/7 Urgent Support Care Line: (510) 643-2005 | Website: care.berkeley.edu(link is external)
- See SEXUAL VIOLENCE/SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACCOMMODATIONS(link is external)
Social Services at University Health Services [Confidential]
- Free counseling, case management, and consultations for students
- Phone: (510) 642-6074 | After-hours urgent support: (855) 817-5667 | Website: uhs.berkeley.edu/social-services(link is external)
- See ABSENCES DUE TO ILLNESS(link is external) and ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY(link is external) and SEXUAL VIOLENCE/SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACCOMMODATIONS(link is external) and ACCOMMODATION FOR PREGNANCY AND PARENTING(link is external)
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