The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides individual support for all students at American University who are interested in improving their academic skills.  Students who provide documentation of a learning disability or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may also receive assistance with accommodations in the ASC. Students may enter the university with or without identifying their disability in the admissions process.

Students with physical, medical, sensory, or psychological disabilities can work with Disability Support Services to help them arrange for accommodations. 

Specialized Services 

Students may request letters for professors verifying the disability and notifying them of the need for classroom accommodations.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include such modifications as

• Extended time for exams
• Use of computers for essay exams
• Note takers for lecture classes
• Reduced-distraction space for taking tests
• Access to alternate format textbooks
• Access to assistive technology

Testing facilities in the ASC are available if a professor and student are not able to make adequate arrangements for test accommodations.

Students submit an online test request at least one week prior to each exam to be taken in the ASC.

Priority registration for courses may be available for students who have current, relevant disability documentation on file in the ASC.

A reserved section of Finite Mathematics that satisfies the university's mathematics requirement is offered for students with learning disabilities

A student may request regular meetings with an ASC counselor who can provide both academic support and help with accommodations

The Writing Lab in the ASC offers individualized writing assistance from counselors who are trained to work with students with learning disabilities and ADHD

Eligibility for Accommodations

Students with learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are encouraged to identify themselves confidentially to the Academic Support Center as soon as possible once admitted to AU. Upon receipt of documentation that meets the published guidelines, a student must meet with an ASC counselor to determine a plan that best meets the student's needs. The counselor will discuss services and accommodations available to the student and review procedures at the university.

The Learning Services Program

Additional support during the first year of college can be accessed through the Learning Services Program for Freshmen with Learning Disabilities. This one-year program offers a network of services primarily designed to assist with the transition to college and with writing skills. Admission to the LSP requires a supplementary application submitted at the same time the student applies to the university.  More detailed information about the program and the supplementary application form can be found on the Learning Services Program web page. There is a one-time fee of $2500 for the Learning Services Program.

Confidentiality

Information about a student's disability and accommodations, if any, is treated as confidential under applicable federal and local laws, and is only provided to individuals who are required to receive such information on a need-to-know basis or for whom a student has authorized such a release. In many cases, a student might benefit from communication between an ASC counselor and an academic advisor or faculty member. A student must generally grant permission for an ASC counselor to share information with parents.