The following is a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to requesting academic accommodations and how Ventus is used to manage this process:
General Questions
- 1.1 - What is an “appropriate” academic accommodation in university?
An appropriate academic accommodation in university is a modification or adjustment that will result in an equal opportunity for a student with a disability to attain the same level of performance, or enjoy the same level of benefits and privileges experienced by others, without compromising bona fide academic requirements.
- 1.2 - What are template accommodations?
Template accommodations are based on your functional impairments and determined during your intake appointment with a PMC Coordinator. These template accommodations are intended to address the anticipated impact your functional impairments will have on your academic studies. Template accommodations can include adjustments that you require for writing tests/exams or participating in your classes or labs. The accommodation process is dynamic. Your accommodations can be adjusted at any time if there is a change in your disability status or if you have a new disability diagnosis. This is done in consultation with your PMC Coordinator.
- 1.3 - Am I entitled to have extra time for my final take-home or range exams?
Your extra time accommodation does not apply to final “take-home” or “range” exams. Most professors usually provide sufficient time for students to complete their take-home exams. Please contact your PMC Coordinator if you have any concerns.
- 1.4 - I have recently been diagnosed with a new disability. How do let my Coordinator know that I need additional accommodations and support?
Upload your new documentation in the Ventus Student Portal and contact the PMC Front Desk at pmc@carleton.ca or 613-520-6608 to schedule an appointment with your PMC Coordinator. If you require technical assistance with uploading your documentation to the Ventus Student Portal, see Student Module 2 – Profile Tab: Confirming/Adding Disability Information.
- 1.5 - My disability is not confirmed by my PMC Coordinator in Ventus. Does this mean I will not be able to receive accommodations?
Email your PMC Coordinator to ask what is the best way to proceed. You can find their contact information under our staff listing on the PMC website, or contact the PMC reception at 613-520-6608 or pmc@carleton.ca.
- 1.6 - My disability documentation has expired. How can I provide new documentation so I can continue to receive accommodations and support from PMC?
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to complete a new documentation form for PMC. Upload the new documentation to your Student Portal when it is ready. In the meantime, send an email to your PMC Coordinator to ask if it is possible to receive interim accommodations and supports while you are updating your documentation.
If you require technical assistance with uploading your documentation to the Ventus Student Portal, see Student Module 2 – Profile Tab: Confirming/Adding Disability Information.
Accommodations Process
- 2.1 - When should I request academic accommodations for my courses?
You should request your academic accommodations for each course at the beginning of every term.
For in-term tests or midterms, please request accommodations at least 14 calendar days before the a test or midterm.
For final exams, the deadlines to request accommodations are published in the University academic calendars for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Before you request accommodations in the Ventus Student Portal, make sure to review the evaluation requirements (e.g., test, exams, assignments, presentations, group work, class attendance, etc.) for each course so that you are ONLY requesting accommodations that are actually needed.
If you require technical assistance with requesting accommodations in the Ventus Student Portal, see Student Module 3 – Accommodation Requests & Letters of Accommodations.
- 2.2 - Can I still meet with my PMC Coordinator to set up my accommodations at the beginning of each term?
You can book an in-person or virtual appointment with your PMC Coordinator through the PMC Front Desk at pmc@carleton.ca or 613-520-6608 to set up accommodations. However, you will still need to use the Ventus Student Portal to request your accommodations and confirm participation for each test or exam.
If you require technical assistance in Ventus with:
- requesting accommodations, see Student Module 3 – Accommodation Requests & Letters of Accommodations.
- confirming test/exam participation, see Student Module 4 – Test and Exam Accommodations.
- 2.3 - I cannot select academic accommodations for my courses because I don’t have any template accommodations. What should I do?
Contact your PMC Coordinator ASAP. If you do not know who is your current PMC Coordinator, please contact the PMC Front Desk at pmc@carleton.ca or 613-520-6608.
- 2.4 - The accommodations I need this term are not in my template accommodations. What should I do?
Email your PMC Coordinator to ask what the best way is to proceed. You can find their contact information under our staff listing on the PMC website, or contact the PMC reception at 613-520-6608 or pmc@carleton.ca to book an appointment.
- 2.5 - How will my professors know that I am a PMC student who requires accommodations?
Letters of Accommodation will no longer be emailed to your professors from your PMC Coordinator. Instead, your professors will see your accommodations in the Ventus Faculty Portal once you have requested accommodations for their courses. Also, you can opt-out of receiving accommodations for a course. The choice is yours!
- 2.6 - How should I contact my professors to discuss my accommodation needs specified in my Letter of Accommodation?
It is your responsibility to follow up with the professor for each course after all pending accommodations have been approved by your PMC Coordinator to discuss which of the accommodations you have selected for the course are applicable based on the evaluation requirements.
Your professors will specify in their course outlines how they would like to be contacted by students. Some professors will set aside weekly office hours to meet with students. If you require privacy to discuss your accommodation needs, we recommend that you contact your professors by email to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting.
If you require coaching on what is the best way to discuss your accommodations with your professors, please contact your PMC Coordinator.
Support Services
- 3.2 - I usually receive supplemental lecture notes for my courses. How do I request this service and where do I go to download the notes?
You can request “supplemental lecture notes” through your Ventus Student Portal. This is a teaching accommodation that is not guaranteed and is provided by peer volunteer note-takers recruited from your classes. Please follow up with each course instructor to kindly ask them to make an announcement in class and/or in Brightspace to recruit a volunteer note-taker. Ventus will notify you when a volunteer note-taker has been found for a course.
You can now download your lecture notes and send messages to the Notetaking Team in the “Lecture Notes” tab in Ventus.
- 3.3 What is the process to register my service animal so that I can bring it to my classes?
Animals are not permitted in buildings on campus except if they are working service animals who are assisting persons with disabilities. Carleton has developed a Policy and Guidelines to provide additional information on how, and under what circumstances, animals may be permitted on campus. It also outlines the accommodation process, registration requirements, expectations and restrictions. If you wish to register your service animal through PMC, please ask your doctor to complete the Documentation Form for Service Animal and contact PMC to schedule an appointment with a PMC Coordinator to discuss your request.
If you wish to have a service animal with you in residence, please note that Housing and Residence Life Services has its own Policy on Service Animals in Residence and that a separate application will be required. Please contact residence@cunet.carleton.ca for more information.
- 3.4 - I need my textbooks transcribed into accessible digital format. How do I request this service?
Requests for Alternate Format Services are not made through Ventus. To access this service, a formal referral is required from your PMC Coordinator to Library Accessibility Services. Please contact your PMC Coordinator to ask for a referral. When referred to Transcription Services, you will be given access to Texthelp Read & Write reading software and training on how to use it.
- 3.5 - How do I request support services such as Learning Strategies (LS), disability counselling, assistive technology training and support, and disability groups?
Please contact your PMC Coordinator to ask for a referral. You can find their contact information under our staff listing on the PMC website. Contact the PMC reception at 613-520-6608 or pmc@carleton.ca if you do not know who your PMC Coordinator is or if you want to book an appointment.
- 3.6 - What other support services are offered by PMC?
In addition to academic accommodations, PMC offers a wide range of support services to support your transition, your learning, and your mental health in university. Ask your PMC Coordinator for more information and referral to the following support services:
- Learning Strategy (LS)
- Disability Counselling
- Support Groups – ADHD Group, Anxiety Group Series, Graduate Student Writing Support Group, Friday Socials, Learning Strategies and Support Group
- Mentorship Volunteer Program
- Assistive Technology (AT) exploration and training
Was this page helpful?
Posted in Student Support
Share: Twitter, Facebook
Short URL:
https://carleton.ca/ventushelp/?p=942