Services for Students with Disabilities

Thank you again for your interest in Union University disability services and we and look forward to assisting you as you learn more about us! Read our informational brochure for students who may have special needs and/or a disability. Adobe Acrobat version

In order for us to best serve you and to provide reasonable accommodations in a timely manner, we ask the following of all students with special needs:

1. Please contact Dr. Paul Deschenes, our Director of Counseling Services and primary contact person for students with special needs. He can be reached at pdeschen@uu.edu or 731.661.5322. It is important for him to talk with the student (and family) as soon as possible to discuss your needs, obtain needed signatures and plan next steps. A phone call (and ideally an in person interview) are necessary to begin this process.
2. Documentation of the disability with college specific recommendations must be submitted to Dr. Paul Deschenes. The diagnosis must be current (three years or less) and made by a qualified professional.
3. After the documentation is submitted and reviewed with Dr. Paul Deschenes, the university can begin the process of providing reasonable accommodations in order to render the academic programs and support services of the university.

Counseling Services can also assist students by providing screening for learning disabilities, providing alternative testing arrangements and other services.

This process should be completed at least one month prior to classes beginning (with up to three months additional time process time for services such as books on tape or other external accommodations.) All students are encouraged to begin conversations with Dr. Paul Deschenes as soon as possible.

For those students needing assistance with Vocational Rehabilitation (covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), please contact Tina Giddens in the Office of Business Services at tgiddens@uu.edu or 731.661.5299