Accommodations for Dual Credit Students
Dual credit students follow the same process as all Gateway students to receive accommodations. Your high school IEP or 504 Plan does not automatically apply to your college classes. This means your instructors won’t automatically provide accommodations. You’ll need to connect with Accessibility Services to request them for your Gateway classes.
frequently asked questions
College students are expected to take responsibility for their education, even if they are under 18. This means you’ll need to work directly with Accessibility Services.
If you’d like your parent or guardian to be involved, you can give permission by completing the Consent to Release Information form in your Student Self-Service (MyPath).
Yes, parents or guardians are welcome to attend your appointment. However, in college, students are expected to speak for themselves and take the lead in the conversation.
Your parent or guardian can support you, but Accessibility Services staff will communicate directly with you first.
Yes, you can submit your IEP or 504 Plan as part of your documentation. However, if it doesn’t include enough detailed information about your diagnosis or how it affects you, we may ask for additional documents like your most recent evaluation.
There are some important differences between high school and college when it comes to accommodations. In college, students take the lead in requesting services, sharing information, and advocating for their needs.
| In High School | In College |
|---|---|
| Education is something you are entitled to receive. | Attending college is your choice, and you are responsible for your success. |
| The school often identifies students who may need accommodations and helps start the process. | You must request accommodations and connect with Accessibility Services yourself. |
| Accommodations are documented in an IEP or 504 Plan. | Accommodations are documented in an Accommodation Letter. |
| Teachers are responsible for making sure accommodations are provided. | You are responsible for communicating with instructors and using your accommodations. |
| The school provides disability evaluations at no cost. | You are responsible for obtaining and paying for any required documentation or evaluations. |
| Academic requirements, assignments, and tests may sometimes be modified. | Course requirements and learning outcomes remain the same for all students. |
| Retakes, study guides, extra credit, and assignment flexibility may be more common. | Flexibility, study materials, and extra credit are usually determined by each instructor. |
| Parents or guardians are often involved in educational planning and communication. | College staff communicate directly with you, and parent involvement requires your permission. |
Not always. Colleges don’t have to provide the same accommodations listed on your IEP or 504 Plan because those plans are based on K–12 laws and may not fully apply in college.
You may receive many of the same supports, but some could be different. Accessibility Services will work with you to find accommodations that are appropriate for your college classes and meet your specific needs.
