Commitment Statement on Disability Access
In January of 2010, the Chancellor of The University of Mississippi reaffirmed the University's commitment to students, staff and visitors with disabilities.
In accordance with the goals and creed of The University of Mississippi, and to further support a campus rich in diversity, the University will encourage excellence, inclusion and respect for the dignity of those with disabilities and will recognize and promote the value of individual differences. To support this commitment, the Chancellor has approved the following operating principles:
1. The University of Mississippi prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and actively encourages a climate of inclusion and equal access. Toward this end, the University community will continue to develop training and resources to promote sensitivity and awareness of disability issues.
2. The University is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations for students and others with disabilities. Toward this end, the University will continue to develop and coordinate policies and procedures, and provide services and access to employment, academic programs, co-curricular activities, and facilities.
3. The Chancellor and administrative officers will provide leadership in improving access for those with disabilities and will be responsible for implementing the principles of universal design at the University.
4. The University will organize its disability services in a way that promotes, to the greatest extent possible, self-determination, independence and self-advocacy for students and others with disabilities and that engages the entire campus community in access issues.
5. In order to respect the independence, rights, and dignity of those with disabilities, requesting an accommodation or identifying oneself as having a disability will be voluntary. However, the University has no obligation to make an accommodation or provide a modification unless there is prior timely disclosure of a disability and verification of this disability.
6. The University will treat data on students and others with disabilities with confidentiality in accordance with data privacy laws and established University regulations. No information will be collected for administrative purposes except information that is essential for program development, implementation, determination of reasonable accommodation, or that is required by law.
7. University administrators, faculty, and staff will encourage intra-institutional cooperation to collect, develop, and disseminate knowledge about creating accommodating environments for students, employees and visitors with disabilities.