Disability Services
A guide to resources and services at CSU
- Introduction
- Disability Liaison Officers
- Disclosure
- Resources and Services
- Exams
- How to Access Services
- Supporting Documentation
- STUDY LINK
Introduction
Charles Sturt University is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment which promotes awareness and understanding of issues for students with a disability. Students who have a physical or sensory impairment, a medical condition, learning disability, or a psychological condition that affects access to or participation in study or University life, are strongly advised to contact the Disability Liaison Officer at the home campus of their course.
Disability Liaison Officers
The DLO can assist you with:
- general advice and assistance
- issues around disclosure of your disability to other staff and students
- support strategies in consultation with you and other relevant staff, according to your specific needs
- assistance in liaising with academic and administrative staff
- referral to and liaison with other relevant services or agencies
- access to specialised resources and services
- information on campus access.
Disclosure
Some students fear that if they disclose that they have a disability, it may prejudice their chances of gaining a place at University or affect their studies once they are enrolled. This is not the case, as all students have to meet the same entry criteria.
You do not need to tell the University that you have a disability. However, if you do need study adjustments you will be required to disclose this to relevant staff and provide supporting documentation about your disability. Please discuss any concerns you have regarding disclosure with a Disability Liaison Officer. Choosing Your Path has an extensive discussion about disclosure both in the workplace and educational settings.
Resources and Services
Resources and services are provided on an individual basis according to assessed need. Some examples of assistance that may be provided by the University are:
- specialised equipment or furniture for use on campus
- assistive software
- alternative format study materials such as Braille, electronic, large print or audio
- peer note takers or lecture notes
- special provisions for exams
- library assistance
- accessible student accommodation
Exams
If you require special conditions for exams you must apply for a Variation to Assessment Procedure. These may include conditions such as extra time, separate room, coloured paper, large print, use of a computer, scribe or reader. Your application must be accompanied by documentation from a relevant health professional supporting your request, and it must be submitted to the Exams Office at least 6 weeks before the beginning of the University exam period. Please contact a Disability Liaison Officer or the Examinations Office for more information.
How to Access Services
Prospective and enrolled students are welcome to contact a Disability Liaison Officer for confidential advice or information.
If you are an enrolled CSU student and wish to access specific disability services and resources at CSU please complete the Disability Services Student Registration Form. Forward it with supporting documentation to the DLO at your home campus and make an appointment with the Disability Liaison Officer for an on-campus or telephone interview.
Supporting Documentation
To verify your disability and to provide the University with relevant and useful information in assessing appropriate study adjustments we require supporting documentation from an appropriate health professional. This will usually be your GP or specialist. The documentation should include:
- the nature and duration of your disability
- impact of your condition on study
- recommended adjustment and support strategies
STUDY LINK
If you haven't studied a particular subject that you need in your course, eg chemistry, maths or physics, or you require assistance with Academic Skills or Tertiary Study, then the STUDY LINK website can provide you with an introductory or refresher subject. STUDY LINK subjects are available to both enrolled and prospective students. All STUDY LINK subjects are free to enrolled students with a disability.