Our Commitment to Equal Access for All Students

Cheyney University ensures students with disabilities have equal access to all of its educational programs and services in compliance with Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act, 2008.

The Office for Student Accessibility (OSA) is committed to providing students with disabilities comprehensive support, advocacy, and resources that promote equality, opportunity, academic achievement, and personal growth. The OSA works closely with students and faculty to foster student well being and success.

Cheyney University strives to be a model of excellence in accessibility and support, where every student with a disability is fully included in the university community. We strive to advance a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration, ensuring that all students can realize their full potential at Cheyney University and beyond.

Important Contacts

Accessibility Services Coordinator:

Professor Jolly V. Malickel
Email: accessibility@cheyney.edu
Phone: 610-399-2032

Student Affairs/Dean of Students:

Dr. Juliette Pennyman
Email: jpennyman@cheyney.edu
Phone: 610-399-2585

How to Request Accommodations

Whether new student or returning, all students requesting accommodations must follow the steps below prior to semester start. To request accommodations for a physical disability, please contact the Office for Student Accessibility directly. Documentation will need to be provided from a licensed medical professional for accommodation services related to physical concerns. All questions should be directed to the OSA Coordinator.

1. Submit the Accommodation Request Form

2. Schedule a Meeting with OSA
After documentation review has been completed, the individualized meeting will be to discuss your needs and go over accommodation procedures.

3. Finalize Your Accommodation Plan
Meet with the coordinator to sign paperwork and receive your accommodation letters.

4. Share Accommodation Letters with Professors
It is the student’s responsibility to pick up the accommodation letter every semester and disseminate it to individual instructors.

5. Reach Out if Concerns Arise
Contact the OSA Coordinator anytime if there are issues arise.

6. Need to inform the University of an accessibility barrier or challenge?
Please complete an Accessibility Barrer Reporting form.

Forms & Documentation

Accommodation Request Form

OSA-Documentation-Guidelines

Release for the Confidential Disclosure of Information

Accessibility Barrier Reporting Form

How To Report a Grievance

What Students Can Expect

Here’s what happens after a student has completed an Accommodation Request Form and connected with OSA:

Meeting During First Week of Classes
You’ll meet with Professor Malickel to review and finalize your accommodation plan.
Housing Accommodations (If Needed)
Let OSA know early — ideally over the summer — so housing needs can be addressed in time.
Attending Summer Bridge?
Submit documentation before the program begins:
- A meeting will occur on Day 1 of Summer Bridge
- A temporary plan will support your bridge courses
- A new plan will be created for Fall semester courses

Making Your Accommodations Work for You

Students play a key role in making their accommodations effective and consistent. Here’s a few tips and reminders on how to stay on top of things:

Request accommodations every semester to keep your plan active.
Pick up and deliver your accommodation letters to instructors before or during the first week of class.
Keep the Office informed of any changes to your schedule, courses, or needs.
Communicate early with instructors about how accommodations will work in their class setting.
Follow up regularly to make sure supports (like note-taking or testing arrangements) are being provided as planned.
Report barriers or unmet needs immediately to the Office of Student Accessibility.
Keep copies of all paperwork and communication related to your accommodations.
Check your campus email often for important updates or reminders from OSA.
Be on time for scheduled appointments and meetings with the OSA or faculty.
Respect timelines and processes—especially for housing or testing requests that require advance notice.
Stay engaged and advocate for yourself—OSA is here to help, but your voice matters most.

What if you have a concern about disability accommodations, accessibility, discrimination or retaliation?

Any current student who has documentation on file in the OSA may submit a grievance. Students should report concerns as soon as possible, within 15 calendar days of the concern
or incident by emailing accessibility@cheyney.edu.

Step 1 – Accessibility Services Coordinator

Start by contacting the Accessibility Services Coordinator. The Coordinator will review the concern, gather needed information, and work with the student and appropriate faculty or staff. Students should normally receive an initial response within 30 calendar days of being notified.

Step 2 – Dean of Students

If the concern is not resolved, the student may ask the Dean of Students to review the matter. The University will aim to complete this review within 90 calendar days of the original grievance.

Step 3 – Resolution

The student will be advised of the outcome and any next steps. Students will not be retaliated against for raising a concern or taking part in the grievance process.

Accessibility Services at Cheyney