Assistant Director of Student Accommodation - Vanderbilt University

Disabled students connect with Student Access each semester to receive any necessary accommodations. Student Access strives to serve and educate the university community on best practices regarding accessibility and universal design.




Key Functions and Expected Performance:

 Oversees the accommodation determination and implementation process for student accommodations.

 Supervises the Access Specialists and collaborates with other Student Access staff in the accommodation determination and implementation process to support best practices in both the accommodation process and communication with internal and external stakeholders.

 Addresses escalated accommodation requests.

 Serves as the coordinator for graduate, clinical, and professional program accommodation requests.

 Determines appropriate and reasonable accommodations as required by the ADAAA (2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 through the review of documentation and personal statements.

 Adheres to ADAAA, Section 504, and FERPA guidelines.

 Meets with students to assess functional limitations.

 Recommends accommodations to students; assists faculty in implementation of those accommodations.

 Orients students to the Student Access office, including review of Student Access processes and procedures.

 Assists in coordinating services and resources for students with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, testing accommodations, note-taking provisions, alternate format of materials, housing accommodations, and dining accommodations.

 Trains faculty and staff through presentations and workshops regarding access, universal design, and legal requirements.

 Maintains accurate student records in a database, including documentation of accommodations, summary of meetings, and changes made to the student record.

 Represents Student Access at university and community events.



*Assists the Director in the delivery of a comprehensive program, including, but not limited to, attending meetings, presentations, and trainings.

 Hires, trains, and assists student workers each semester.

 Assists the testing coordinator with the administration, collection, and delivery of student exams.

 Assists the Assistive Technology Specialist with transferring of materials in accessible format.

 Engages in professional development opportunities at the local and national level.

 Other duties as assigned.




Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisory responsibility; four access specialists will report to the Assistant Director. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Student Access.




Experience and Education:

 A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is necessary.

 A master’s degree in rehabilitation, education, psychology, or related field is strongly preferred.

 Four (4) years’ experience determining accommodations in higher education with students with disabilities is necessary.

 Experience determining accommodations for clinical and professional programs is strongly preferred.

 Supervisory experience is preferred.


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.