VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

students may be restricted from certain clinical environments, including, but not limited to, international rotations and mission trips in developing countries, infectious disease rotations, and other at-risk environments. Students who become pregnant must inform the Associate Dean for Medical Education or the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs of the pregnancy before participating in at-risk environments such as anatomy laboratories, or environments where infectious diseases pose a risk. As new technology exists, students who use service animals for healthcare issues are generally required to transition to an alternate method of monitoring using that technology. In general, now that this technology exists, service animals are not used to support medical staff as the use of such animals may place an increased risk to the patient and/or do not meet the hospital requirements. Disclosure and Evaluation of Conditions that May Affect the Ability to Meet Technical Standards VCOM applicants are expected to self-identify if they are unsure whether they meet the Technical Standards. VCOM does not discriminate on the basis of disability and assures that no adverse view of the applicant will be made if accommodations are requested for the student to meet Technical Standards. Applicants may freely question whether they meet the Technical Standards without repercussion. Applicants who, with assistance, can meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program are encouraged to apply. Section 504 Accommodation Requests for Applicants with Disabilities VCOM recognizes that students with disabilities may have varying needs and is committed to supporting qualified students in achieving academic success. Consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, VCOM provides reasonable accommodations to students who are determined to be eligible and whose accommodations enable them to meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program. Accommodations are designed to provide equal access to the curriculum while ensuring that students can safely fulfill the essential requirements necessary for the study and practice of osteopathic medicine. • Applicants who are admitted, and who believe they may require accommodations should contact the Director for Student and Institutional Academic Success, who serves as the Section 504 Campus Coordinator, to begin the Section 504 eligibility process. Admitted Applicants are encouraged to initiate this process as early as possible, as supporting documentation, such as psychometric evaluations, medical records, and educational records, may take time to obtain. The applicant is responsible for obtaining and providing all required documentation and for any costs associated with evaluations. • Students requesting accommodations must complete the VCOM Section 504 eligibility application and submit all required supporting documentation. Eligibility for accommodations is determined through the Section 504 review process. • For students who are found eligible, VCOM may provide reasonable accommodations designed to ensure equal access to the curriculum while maintaining the Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, seating adjustments, extended examination time, reduced-distraction testing environments, and other academic supports as appropriate. Additional information is available in the “Assistance for Matriculated Students with Disabilities” section of this Handbook. Disclosure of Prescribed Medications and Compliance with Technical Standards Applicants receiving treatment with controlled substances or other prescribed medications that may result in a positive drug screen must notify Clinical Affairs prior to matriculation and provide documentation from the

34