Disputes and Appeals
While RCPD staff are committed to fairness, compassion, and integrity, disagreements may occasionally arise regarding disability determinations, accommodation reasonableness, or service quality
If you have concerns about disability determinations, accommodations, or service quality, the university provides a three-step process to address concerns. The following sections outline each step in the process, beginning with reconsideration and progressing to formal appeals. Each step is designed to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed thoughtfully. Below, you'll find more information about each option to help guide you through the process.
Please review the MSU Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy for full details and for information about the employee accommodation appeal process.
1. Request Reconsideration (rereview) from Access Specialist
Start with requesting reconsideration and discussing your concerns with your RCPD Specialist. Be prepared to consider alternative solutions and perspectives. Provide any relevant information or context that you feel was missing from the original decision. Note that reconsideration from Access Specialist may include discussion at team case study and may take up to a week to complete.
2. Initiate Dispute Resolution with RCPD Leadership
If this discussion does not resolve the situation, you may submit concerns about service quality and/or a disability/accommodation determination to the Director/Associate Director of the RCPD. The Director/Associate Director will gather details from each person involved in the situation, meet individually or as a group with those involved, and ultimately seek a resolution or provide an official office position on the disagreement. Please use the Dispute Resolution Form in order to provide a clear description of the factors related to the disagreement.
- Faculty/instructors are also able to utilize the dispute resolution process to raise concerns regarding student accommodation determinations when accommodations may conflict with course requirements.
3.File an Appeal with the ADA Coordinator
- If you disagree with the RCPD's determination during the dispute resolution, the decision may be appealed to the University's ADA and Section 504 Coordinator using the Incident Reporting Form or sent in writing:
Tracy A. Leahy
ADA and Section 504 Coordinator
Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
Room 4 Olds Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-3960
ocr@msu.edu
OCR.tracyleahy@msu.edu
www.civilrights.msu.edu/ada_coordinator
- Appeals of an RCPD decision must be filed with the Office of the ADA Coordinator within 30 calendar days of the party’s notification of the decision. This time limitation can be extended for good cause, as determined by the ADA Coordinator.
- Appeals may be submitted by students, faculty, staff, supervisors, departments, applicants, program participants, and members of the public regarding decisions to grant or deny accommodations.
We understand that navigating disability accommodations can be complex and sometimes challenging. The RCPD and the University are committed to ensuring that every concern is addressed with fairness, respect, and timeliness. Whether you're seeking clarification, reconsideration, or a formal review, these processes are in place to support your rights and promote equitable access. If you have questions or need assistance at any point, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.