Faculty Assistance and Emergency Resources

If a student exhibits erratic/disruptive behavior, makes verbal/written threats, expresses suicidal thoughts or housing/food insecurity, reports sexual harassment/misconduct or bias/discrimination—call Office of the Dean of Students at 312-996-4857, Counseling Center at 312-996-3490, or Office for Access and Equity at 312-996-8670.

For acts or threats of violence, urgent safety concerns, possession of a weapon, imminent threat of suicidal actions, or medical emergencies/hospital transports—call 911 or UIC Police at 312-555-5555.

These forms are reviewed during normal business hours:

• If a student needs help addressing the complex crises, life traumas, and barriers that may adversely affect their academic success or collegiate experience, submit a Student Assistance and Support Referral Report.
• U and I Care Fund provides a one-time financial assistance award (not to exceed $500) for currently enrolled students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to an unexpected hardship—submit an Emergency Fund Application short-term financial assistance, please submit an Emergency Fund Application.
• If a student is experiencing housing/food insecurity they may submit a Basic Needs Assistance Form.
• If a student reaches out or appears to need help with stress or time management, you might suggest they visit theWellness Center’s Stress Management page that lists coaching, workshops, and online tips.

The Disability Resources Center (DRC) is committed to providing accommodations and access to all students with disabilities and to working collaboratively with faculty and staff to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of the educational experience at UIC, while maintaining compliance with relevant federal and state laws. The DRC recognizes various environments in which people function: physical, programmatic, informational, and attitudinal. Some modifications to these environments are readily achievable through direct consultation with faculty or staff. For additional assistance, visit DRC or call 312-413-2183.

Due to our school’s studio-based curriculum, the standard wording of a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) may not provide a clear picture on how to deliver the best access for these students to succeed in their courses. It is important to privately meet with and discuss each student’s specific accommodations and clarify how the student will meet the expectations of the course. Emailing the student, and copying their academic advisor, the result of this meeting is important and should be done after the expectations and accommodations are discussed. Be sure to include specific dates, duration, and frequency of items as they were agreed upon in your meeting. These documented specifics assist in any future adherence discussions between the student, faculty, and DRC. To assist in discussions, below is a list of the most commonly reported accommodations faculty may encounter when presented with an LOA.

Here are some suggested prompts for your in-person discussion with the student:

• Recorded Lectures / You are free to record my lectures and one-on-one feedback sessions, as needed. I can also make my lecture slides available to you the night before class, so you can print/review them in advance for any discussion and/or questions.
• Ability to Leave Class / Attendance in class is required. It is expected that students will be learning from the instructor, but also through interactions with other students. When absent, the opportunity is missed to learn from fellow students but also to contribute. Studio culture demands both the presence and participation of all students. However, it is reasonable to allow no more than 30 minutes from each class meeting for you to leave, if needed.
• Periodic Absences / It is reasonable to allow no more than three excused absences from the course before deductions of your final letter grade will begin. Upon the fourth absence, one-half letter grade will be deducted from the final course grade. Upon the fifth absence, one full letter grade will be deducted from the final course grade. Six absences will result in course failure. Communication between student and instructor is crucial throughout the semester, so please be sure to notify me in advance of any likely absences.
• Preferred Seating / Please feel free to move to any seat you feel is best for you to succeed in this course. Arriving early to be able to select the optimal seat would be a great idea. Extended Participation Time / Due to the deliverables of this course, student presentations will occur. However, critique and feedback of your work could occur on a one-on-one basis, after you have given your presentation to the class. Additionally, if you feel that written prompts, being given extra time for responses, etc. would help, please let me know.
• Written Directions / All assignments are detailed and available 24/7 on Blackboard. If you feel the need for clarification, please come and see me after class and we can review the expectations of the project.
• Information Review / Our time in class is meant to be instructional in all aspects, including review of your work and the expectations of an assignment. Please approach me in class for clarification and/or further feedback on your work. If that is not possible, feel free to email me outside of class with any questions regarding course material and/or general issues, allowing 24 hours for a response.