Frequently Asked Questions

The Accessibility Resource Center is located in Speert Hall 134 (formerly Wayne Hall). If driving, enter campus through Entry 4 off of Pompton Road and park in Lot 5. Lot 5 is adjacent to the Lorraine and David Cheng Library.

Speert Hall is located directly across from the Library and right next to the bus stop. The Accessibility Resource Center is located downstairs from the Wayne Dining Hall, behind the lounge (with the Gray Wall).

*If you are consulting a campus map, Speert Hall (formerly Wayne Hall) is marked with 16. 

The Accessibility Resource Center can be contacted via phone at 973-720-2853 or via email at arc@wpunj.edu.

For alternative testing inquiries, please contact our testing email, arc-testing@wpunj.edu.

William Paterson University values diversity and seeks to promote access to educational opportunities for all students. Admission is based upon requirements established by the Admissions Office in accordance with University policy.  Disability is not considered when an admissions decision is made.  Applicants with disabilities are welcome to discuss the concerns they may have about the impact of their disability on admission to the University.  Questions or concerns should be directed to the Office of Admission and/or the Accessibility Resource Center.

A prospective student with a disability is not obligated to self-identify prior to admission to the University. Upon acceptance, incoming students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the Accessibility Resource Center as soon as possible. Since many accommodations require advanced planning, early identification of a student's needs helps to ensure that arrangements and accommodations can be made in a timely manner.

No. Students with disabilities follow the standard admissions process.

Once a student has been deemed eligible for ARC's services after attending a welcome meeting with one of the Accessibility Specialists and is in need of classroom accommodations, an "Accommodation Letter" will be drafted which lists classroom accommodations the student is eligible for to receive. It should be noted that accommodations are not retroactive meaning that the accommodations are put into place once the student has met with an Accessibility Specialist. The letter must be requested by the student through ARC Portal, which is ARC's secure management system, every semester. This should be done at the beginning of the semester or as soon as eligibility has been determined if requesting accommodations after the semester has begun. It is suggested that students meet with their professors to discuss any specifics in regards to their coursework.  

The Accessibility Resource Center does not disclose a student's disability to Faculty members. On the accommodation letter all that is included is the student's name, 855 number, their approved accommodation(s), and the description of the accommodation(s). It is entirely up to the student if they wish to disclose their disability to their professor(s).  

All accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. However, typical accommodations may include:

• Extended Test Time
• Reduced Distraction Environment
• Note Taking Services
• Adaptive Technology
• Classroom Relocation

The type of documentation needed depends on your disability. Please see the documentation guideline links for physical impairments, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and psychological/psychiatric disabilities, below.

Guidelines: Physical     

Guidelines: ADHD      

Guidelines: Post Secondary Level Education

Guidelines: Psychological/Psychiatric

If your documentation is incomplete or outdated, you can visit the Accessibility Resource Center to inquire about different options for getting tested. 

Yes. You can receive accommodations for ADHD if you are deemed eligible for services after providing ARC with the completed Accommodation Request Form and the disability documentation.

No. All services, including note-takers, are provided to students free of charge. However, if students require additional testing to properly document their disabilities, the student is responsible for any testing costs. 

Yes. At the beginning of each semester, students must log onto ARC Portal to request their accommodations. In ARC Portal, students would have the power to customize their accommodations according to their classes. Before the start of each semester, the Accessibility Resource Center will send out a reminder to all students to request their accommodations so that they can be approved and sent to their professors. It is highly suggested that students meet with their professors at the beginning of each semester to go over what their accommodation may look like in each course. 

ARC needs to know about your exam at least five (5) calendar days in advance. Students will need to log in to ARC Portal to request their exams. Students must do this for each and every test/exam. The earlier students schedule the exam, the more time that ARC has in making sure the exam and the location are set up prior to the date and time of the exam which was requested. Requests that are not submitted with the 5 days notice may not be able to be accommodated.

Contact the Accessibility Resource Center. The earlier in the semester you contact us, the more we will be able to help you adjust your accommodations and/or discuss strategies that may assist you.

Yes. The Accessibility Resource Center, along with many other offices on campus, use your University email address to send you important information. You should make it a point to check your WPU email daily.

It is important that you stay in constant communication with our office. The more we know about your difficulties, issues, and concerns, the better we will be able to assist you.