Accessibility at the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is committed to fostering an accessible and inclusive environment where all members of our community can fully participate in academic, co-curricular, employment, and campus life. Accessibility is a shared responsibility and an essential part of our mission to support the dignity and success of every individual.
The University strives to provide accessible facilities, programs, services, events, technology, and digital resources for students, employees, visitors, and guests.
If you encounter a barrier that affects access to the campus environment, we encourage you to report it so that it can be addressed promptly.
See Something? Report it.
Report an Accessibility Barrier
If you experience or observe an accessibility barrier on campus, please let us know.
Examples may include:
- An elevator that is not functioning;
- An automatic door that is not working properly;
- Inaccessible pathways or entrances;
- Parking accessibility concerns;
- Issues with classroom accessibility;
- Website or digital accessibility barriers;
- Inaccessible documents, forms, or course materials;
- Problems accessing technology or online systems;
- Event accessibility concerns; or
- Other barriers affecting access to University programs, services, or facilities.
Reports are reviewed by the Office of Access and Disability Services (ADS), which coordinates with the appropriate University department, such as Facilities Services, Information Technology, or other campus offices, to address the concern.
Accessibility Services and Support
The University provides a variety of services and resources designed to promote equal access and participation.
Students
Students with disabilities who are seeking academic accommodations should contact the Office of Access and Disability Services to begin the accommodation process.
Employees
Employees seeking workplace accommodations should contact Human Resources for information regarding the employee accommodation process.
Visitors & Guests
Visitors and guests who need accessibility-related assistance are encouraged to contact the University in advance whenever possible so that arrangements can be made to support participation in campus programs and events
Other Accessibility Services
Accessibility is necessary in many forums. The University is committed to improving all of them. Check out more details about digital, event, and facilities accessibility and our rules for service animals below.
Digital Accessibility
The University is committed to improving the accessibility of its websites, online services, instructional materials, and digital resources.
Accessibility is an ongoing process. UST continually works to identify and remove barriers that may affect access to digital content and technology.
Examples of digital accessibility concerns may include:
- Website navigation issues;
- Missing captions or transcripts;
- Inaccessible PDFs or documents;
- Images without alternative text;
- Forms that cannot be completed using assistive technology;
- Software or technology compatibility issues.
If you encounter a digital accessibility barrier, please submit an Accessibility Barrier Report so that the concern can be reviewed and addressed.
Event Accessibility
The University strives to ensure that campus events are accessible and welcoming to all participants.
Individuals who need accommodations to participate in a University-sponsored event are encouraged to submit their request as early as possible to allow sufficient time for coordination.
Examples may include:
- Sign language interpreting services;
- Real-time captioning (CART);
- Accessible seating;
- Materials in alternative formats;
- Assistance with physical access; and
- Other reasonable accommodations.
Accessible Facilities
The University works to maintain accessible campus facilities and remove barriers that may affect access to buildings, classrooms, common spaces, and campus services.
Accessibility features may include:
- Elevators;
- Automatic door operators;
- Accessible parking;
- Accessible routes and entrances;
- Accessible restrooms;
- Classroom accessibility features; and
- Other physical access resources.
If an accessibility feature is unavailable, malfunctioning, or otherwise creating a barrier, please report it using the Accessibility Barrier Report Form.
Service Animals
The University welcomes individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by trained service animals in areas where members of the public, students, employees, and visitors are generally permitted to be.
Additional information regarding service animal expectations and procedures is available through the University’s Service Animal Guidelines.
Accessibility is a Shared Responsibility
Creating an accessible campus requires collaboration across the University community. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors all play an important role in identifying barriers, supporting inclusive practices, and helping ensure that everyone can fully participate in the life of the University.
We encourage members of the community to report concerns, share feedback, and partner with us as we continue to improve accessibility across campus.
Who can report an accessibility barrier?
Anyone may submit a report, including students, employees, visitors, guests, family members, and community partners.
What happens after I submit a report?
The Office of Access and Disability Services reviews reports and coordinates with the appropriate University department to address the concern.
Can I report a website or technology issue?
Yes. Accessibility barriers involving websites, online systems, documents, instructional materials, or technology may be reported through the Accessibility Barrier Report Form.
Is this the same as requesting disability accommodations?
No. Reporting a barrier helps the University identify and address accessibility concerns. Students seeking accommodations should contact the Office of Access and Disability Services, and employees seeking accommodations should contact Human Resources.
What if I am not sure whether something is an accessibility barrier?
If you believe a condition, feature, or process is limiting access or participation for individuals with disabilities, we encourage you to submit a report. The University can review the concern and determine the most appropriate response.