Student Disability Services

The mission of Student Affairs disability services is to provide and support equal access to all programs, services, and activities of the Graduate Center and the University for Graduate Center students* with disabilities.

The Graduate School and University Center does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission and retention of students. To ensure equal access for students with disabilities to all academic and other programs, services, and activities of the GC, as required by law, appropriate accommodations will be made.

Non-discriminatory, or equal, access for students with disabilities is achieved through a process of accommodation. It is the policy of the Graduate Center and CUNY to provide auxiliary aids and services and to make appropriate academic accommodations needed by students with disabilities.

*This applies to any student registered at the Graduate Center, regardless of program location or resident status.

What is a Disability?

A disability is any physical or mental impairment—visible or invisible, permanent or temporary—that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A person is considered to be a person with a disability if the individual has the disability, has a record of the disability, or is regarded as having the disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, qualified persons with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to achieve non-discriminatory access to programs, services, and activities of the GC. Some examples of covered disabilities are visual and hearing impairments, mobility impairments, impairment of hand function, and such “invisible” disabilities as learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, PTSD, GAD, MDD, bipolar disorder, heart conditions, TBI, chronic pain disorders, AIDS/HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome, and being in recovery from substance use disorder.

Office Information

The provision of student disability services is a function of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (Student Affairs Office).

The 504 / ADA Compliance Coordinator for persons with disabilities is Mr. Matthew G. Schoengood, Vice President for Student Affairs, Room 7301; Telephone: 1-212-817-7400. The Vice President for Student Affairs also serves as the chair of the 504 / ADA Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

For more information (with confidentiality) contact the Manager of Student Disability Services (disabilityservices@gc.cuny.edu), Director of Student Affairs, or the Vice President for Student Affairs (1-212-817-7400) and consult the Student Handbook.

Contact Clare Wilson in the Office of Student Affairs to request accommodations or with questions about Graduate Center facilities, auxiliary aids, and services available to students with disabilities. You can also fill out the form and view our office contacts below.