Procedures and Policies

Please review the StAAR Accessibility Services Handbook for information on policies, procedures, and guidelines related to accessibility at StAAR. This handbook was last updated September, 2025.

Note: The policies, procedures, and guidelines that appear in the StAAR Handbook are in effect as of the time of its last update on the StAAR website. The information in this handbook is subject to change at any time.

Tufts University is committed to full compliance with laws protecting individuals with disabilities. Students are encouraged to raise concerns and seek resolution if they believe they have not been properly accommodated or provided appropriate auxiliary aids or services. Students are also encouraged to seek support if they believe they have experienced discriminatory behavior based on their disability. 

Request for StAAR Center Intervention

Occasionally, students experience difficulties communicating with a faculty member or other Tufts community members. If you have concerns or difficulties using your accommodations (including assistive technology) due to the action or inaction of a faculty member, TA, instructor, or other campus office or staff, you may submit an informal “Request for Intervention.” Please contact the StAAR Center for more information on how to do this. 

Informal Appeals

Prior to initiating a formal appeal, students are strongly encouraged to contact the Associate Dean of the StAAR Center to discuss their concerns about the denied accommodation. The Associate Dean has the responsibility to consider the student’s request and respond to the student’s concerns in a timely manner. Often, this response is more prompt than the formal appeal process. If the student is unsatisfied after an informal appeal has been sought out, they may make a request for a formal appeal (please see Formal Appeals below).

Formal Appeals

If the informal process does not resolve the issue, students have the right to file a formal appeal. The person to decide the formal appeal depends upon the Tufts school/unit in question. To file a formal appeal, the student must provide a written request and the appeal must be based on at least one of the following grounds: 

1. Procedural Error: the individual believes there was a failure of a StAAR Center staff member to follow the appropriate process that directly resulted in an erroneous outcome.
2. Newly Received Information: the individual received new information that was not provided to StAAR Center staff and that would change the result of the StAAR Center determination.
3. Bias or Other Improper Basis for Decision: the individuals believes the StAAR Center denied an accommodation, provided an alternative accommodation in place of the accommodation requested, or made some other decision because of bias or on some other improper basis. 

The appeal representative will review the request in a timely manner and will typically speak to the student to discuss the appeal if there is a lack of clarity. If reasonable, the appeal representative will work with the student to develop a suitable plan for accommodation or provide an explanation as to why the request was denied.

Grievance Process

A student who has failed to achieve satisfactory resolution through the appellate processes may file a complaint with OEO. Similarly, if the allegation involves direct discrimination based on disability status (i.e., not an issue regarding the provision or implementation of an accommodation), those matters are directly referred to OEO. OEO can be contacted directly at:

Office of Equal Opportunity
Ballou Hall, 1st Floor
Medford Campus
617-627-3298
OEO@tufts.edu

For more details on the appeals process please refer to the StAAR Accessibility Handbook.

Digital Accessibility Policies

Tufts is committed to making online content available to all.

For more information on Tufts' Digital Accessibility Policies please click the appropriate links below:

• Digital Accessibility Policy
• Captioning Policy
• Procurement Guidelines for Accessibility

For training and resources for digital accessibility, please visit the Training and Resources for Accessibility page for faculty and staff.

Physical Accessibility Policy

Tufts is committed to ensuring physical access to our community.

The interactive Medford/Somerville Campus Map includes an accessibility feature which shows elevators, accessible bathrooms, and accessible building entrances. The Medford Campus Accessibility Map (PDF) can also be used for downloading and printing.

To report a physical or digital access barrier on campus, please submit the Access Issue Resolution Form. After submission, a Tufts University official will review the situation promptly.