English Language Learner Accommodations Policy

Effective: 3/9/22
Updated: 11/7/22
Contact: Accessibility Services

William Jewell College promotes a diverse and equitable learning environment for all students, including those whose primary language is not English. The College acknowledges that mastery of the English language for an ELL (English Language Learner) or ESL (English as a Second Language) student is a challenging lifetime pursuit. The College also acknowledges that matriculation into a rigorous post-secondary academic environment may create additional challenges related to the speed of language synthesis, especially during timed exams. In order to support ELL and ESL students in their pursuit of a post-secondary degree, the College recognizes the need for a process that allows them to request additional time to complete exams and quizzes, as they adjust to a new learning environment.

Requests for additional time to complete exams will be considered on a case-by-case basis for students who are able to provide documentation of their ELL or ESL status, demonstrate the need for this accommodation and are pursuing a primary bachelor’s degree in their first, second or third semester at Jewell. To make this request, the student must fill out the Testing Accommodation for ESL/ELL Learners form. Upon receipt of the form, the Director of Accessibility Services will email the student within 7 business days, provide instructions on submitting the supporting documentation and will request to meet with the student to review the student’s request. If approved, the student will be provided with 25% additional time to complete exams and quizzes. A statement of accommodation will be emailed to the student, the advisor and instructors. Accommodations are not retroactive and all decisions regarding eligibility to use this accommodation are at the discretion of the Accessibility Services office and are final.

This accommodation is not considered a disability accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504, as amended). Any student, including those qualified under the Accommodations for English Language Learners policy, may self-disclose a disability and request accommodations through an interactive process. This application is found at www.jewell.edu/accessibility-services.