Students who believe they are entitled to an accommodation should meet with UB’s Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) as soon as possible. It may take some time to determine what is appropriate and equitable based on an individual’s specific situation.  Accordingly, where possible, you should initiate the process at least two weeks prior to the start of classes or, if later, as soon as the disability arises.

A member of OAR will work with you to discuss your needs; identify any supporting documentation that may needed; and determine if you are eligible for an accommodation.

Should OAR determine you are eligible for a possible accommodation, it will send the Law School Accommodation Liaison (“Liaison”) a written recommendation with possible accommodations tailored to your disability needs. The Liaison will then evaluate the recommendation and make any adjustments necessary to ensure accommodations are consistent with the Law School’s essential academic requirements, including those set out in the Technical Standards for Professional Degrees.

Certain accommodations might not be appropriate when they:

a. Would fundamentally alter the nature or purpose of the course, assignment, or test;

b. Are inconsistent with essential academic requirements;

c. Would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of the student or others; and/or

d. Would pose an undue financial or administrative burden.

On occasion, the Liaison may request copies of medical documentation or supplementary documentation, such as any past accommodations you were granted in college, graduate school, or on standardized tests, including the LSAT.  Only the Liaison will have access to this information, which will be used solely to assess an accommodation request.  While prior history is relevant, the Law School may not necessarily grant the same accommodations you received historically.

For many students, this second step is primarily administrative coordination.  Students need not reach out to the Law School Accommodation Liaison.  The Liaison will communicate if additional information is needed. 

Upon completion of step 2, you will receive an email attaching the final accommodation memo.  After reviewing it, please send a copy to the Office of Records & Registration (“R&R”) by uploading through the link below.

(include link to secure Box folder)

For Bridge Courses, memos must be submitted to R&R at least seven (7) business days prior to any midterm or final exam.

For Fall/Spring Courses, memos must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of final examinations (and for midterms, at least five (5) days prior to the exam.

In the event of an emergency or sudden development of a disbility which makes adherence to the deadlines above impossible, students should initiate the accommodation request process as soon as the disability arises.

The Office of Records and Registration will facilitate the implementation of your accommodations, including discussing a particular accommodation request with an individual faculty member where necessary.  Students receiving exam accommodations will receive an informational email from R&R prior to the start of any midterm exam/final exam period including specific accommodation details.

PLEASE NOTE: Receiving an accommodation in law school does not guarantee that accommodations will be granted by authorities responsible for required professional tests such as the MPRE and the Bar Exam. Further, each state has its own procedures and policies for bar admission. A student may want to discuss any accommodations with the Career Services Office to plan for summer positions and long-term careers. Students should always feel free to discuss any needs and emergencies with the Office of Student Affairs.