Special Support
University College Utrecht welcomes applications from students with disabilities, and wherever possible, will make arrangements to allow students with disabilities full access to the same facilities for study as all other students. A student is disabled if they require a facility which is outside of the mainstream provision of the college in order to participate fully in higher education and without which the student would be educationally disadvantaged in comparison with their peers.
Students who might register with the Student Disability Service are often from the following groups:
- hard of hearing/deaf
- visual disability/blind
- specific learning difficulties
- physical disability
- medical disability
- mental health difficulties
Study Support for Meeting Graduation Requirements
The special characteristics of University College Utrecht’s educational format require very active participation in small-scale, multi-directional class discussions; group work; presentations; essays and assignments; high volumes of reading; exams; occasional fieldwork (depending on the course); special projects; theses; and other forms of learning and assessment. These are the features which contribute towards the remarkable atmosphere of scholarly commitment at the college, and are graduation requirements for all students.
In any discipline, it is expected that all students will follow the same course, but individual needs can be taken into consideration when organizing assessment, and special arrangements can be made for students as appropriate. Such arrangements might include the use of specialized equipment, the provision of an amanuensis or simply the allocation of additional time. Students with a learning disability must present a signed declaration from a doctor or specialist stating that they have been diagnosed with such a disability in order for us to make provisions to accommodate their needs.
Applicants in need of special support
Applications from people with disabilitiesare considered on the same academic grounds as those from all other applicants. The candidate can indicate on the application form whether or not special arrangements are required during the application process, or for study/residential life. The College makes every effort to meet a student's needs, and in certain cases may advise applicants to consider alternative courses, or to apply for the chosen course at another institution where more suitable facilities are known to be available.
Learning Accommodation Agreements
More information about special learning accommodations for students at UCU can be found here.
Disability Services and Further Support
Utrecht University also has a special support programme called Platform 'Onbeperkt Studeren' ('Studying without Limitations') that helps students with disabilities. The platform consists of students with disabilities who advocate for the rights and facilities of disabled students, and who can offer insight and support with all resources available. and They also run a buddy programme, in which new students can be helped to acclimatize and flourish in their new study environment.