Graduate Student Resources

To receive accommodations, students with disabilities must register with Disability Services by completing an Application for Accommodations, submitting documentation and scheduling an Access Meeting. We encourage students to begin this process as early as possible to ensure timely support. You can review the full four-step registration process. If you have questions about how to get started, the academic support we offer, or other available services, you're welcome to schedule an Information Session by contacting us at 303-492-8671 or DSInfo@colorado.edu. 

No, academic accommodations apply to all students at CU Boulder, including graduate students.

Not necessarily. While some accommodations may be similar, academic accommodations are determined on an individual basis. Each student’s needs are assessed based on the specific impact of their disability in the academic environment, ensuring that the support provided is both appropriate and effective.

Academic accommodations are individualized to each student and their academic responsibilities. Graduate students often participate in a wide variety of assistantships and professional opportunities outside of the traditional classroom that are often unavailable to undergraduate and non-degree seeking students. More specifically, because graduate study can include responsibilities such as teaching, research in labs or the field, or could be connected with grants, some accommodations, like a reduced course load or adjusting the pace of a program, require careful planning and communication to assess and determine what is reasonable and to avoid fundamental alteration to a student’s academic progress.

Graduate students with disabilities have access to a wide range of campus services and resources, including academic support, health and wellness services and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Once registered with Disability Services, you’ll be connected with an access coordinator who can answer questions, discuss your individual needs and help you navigate available accommodations and resources.

Comprehensive exams - including written, oral, and presentation-based formats - can vary widely depending on the class or graduate program. Similarly, accommodation needs differ from student to student. Because of this, requests for accommodations are reviewed on an individual basis to assess both need and reasonableness. If you're a student with a disability, an access coordinator will work closely with you to understand the format and requirements of your comps and other academic expectations. Together, you'll explore what accommodations may be appropriate to support equitable access to the comprehensive exam process and other academic requirements.

No, future employers will not be informed that you received accommodations at CU Boulder. Disability Services keeps all disability-related information confidential and does not share it with employers unless you provide written consent or we are legally required to do so - such as in response to a court order or subpoena.

The best first step is to connect with your assigned access coordinator at Disability Services. They’ll work with you to identify accommodations that support your full participation in your program. Once accommodations are approved, your access coordinator will help you navigate the implementation process and can assist with any questions or concerns that come up along the way - including how to communicate your needs to your advisor or committee.