Alternative Text Policy
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) at Marquette University provides required textbooks in an
alternative format to students whose disability adversely affects their ability to access standard print
material. This accommodation is approved after thorough review of the student’s documentation, and a
determination by an ODS representative that the information provided is sufficient and verifies eligibility
to receive alternative text as an accommodation. Eligibility for this accommodation is determined on an
individual basis. Students must be able to verify a substantial print or physical disability with supporting
documentation from a licensed professional, warranting alternative text access. Typically, a six to eight
week notice is required to obtain and create alternative text material from when the request was made, and
proof of purchase is required before the books can be converted. Requests made after the start of the
semester may be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.
Eligibility
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Students must register with the Office of Disability Services, by providing documentation of their
disability, and;
The documentation must explicitly indicate how their disability adversely affects their ability to
access printed material.
ODS staff must determine that the student has a disability for which alternative text is an
appropriate accommodation
Student Responsibility
1. Be enrolled in courses at Marquette University for the semester that the alternative text is being
requested and verify the classes in an email including the following information:
a. Class names
b. Class number
c. Section number
d. Instructor name
2. Purchase a copy of each textbook for which an alternative text is being requested and provide
ODS with the textbook receipt to validate proof of purchase;
3. Verify the books they would like and if necessary the order of preference by providing the
syllabus. The following information should be included for each book requested.
a. Corresponding class
b. Title
c. Author
d. Edition
e. ISBN
4. Notify ODS immediately of any changes to the initial request (i.e. adding or dropping a course) or
if there are any problems with the alternative text material;
Updated October 2014
5. Provide a flash drive for the transfer of the alternative text material.
Office of Disability Services Responsibility
1. Verify the student is registered with ODS and alternative text has been deemed an appropriate
accommodation by an ODS representative;
2. Provide information regarding the alternative text accommodation;
3. Locate, procure, or convert required textbooks in a timely manner;
4. Notify student when alternative text material is available for pick-up;
5. Assist student experiencing difficulty accessing the material;
Please Note:
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Students should understand that alternative text is a personal copy, therefore, it is a copyright
violation to sell or reproduce alternative text material. If a student plans to retain the textbook,
he/she does not need to delete the alternative text from their computer.
Alternative text requests are processed on a first come, first served basis. Submission of an
Alternative Text Request form near the beginning of the semester or during the semester, may
delay the completion of the request.
Updated October 2014