Equal Opportunity and ADA Policy for Students and Visitors
This Equal Opportunity Policy (“EO Policy” or “Policy”) prohibits discrimination in all programs, services and activities of Wheeling University (the “University”), including, but not limited to all terms, conditions or privileges of education or enrollment at the University, and all activities open to the general public. This EO Policy extends to the conduct of or discrimination against all applicants, students and all other individuals who may be on campus (such as parents, alumni and other visitors). This EO Policy applies on campus and at all activities or programs that the University conducts or sponsors at any other location. This Policy is designed to cover conduct by or against applicants, students and visitors. The University will not tolerate discrimination by any individual participating in the University’s programs or services. or working under the supervision of the University (whether employees, independent contractors, or volunteers).
Applicants and Students
Qualified students are eligible for admission regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal or state law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”). The University does not discriminate on the basis of Protected Characteristics in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University administered programs.
Visitors and Guests
The University will not discriminate on the basis of Protected Characteristics other individuals (such a parents, visitors and members of the public) who are on University property or attending other events sponsored by the University.
Disability Discrimination and Accommodations
The University is committed to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities, and complying with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and all similar state and local laws, as provided in and as subject to the defenses enumerated in Title III of the ADA and its implementing regulations. The definition of “disability” under the ADA is broad, and includes both physical and mental disabilities.
All applicants for admission and currently enrolled students with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, accommodations, or programs provided by or at University.
The University will make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and procedures, provide auxiliary aids and services for effective communication and provide other reasonable accommodations that are necessary to afford goods, services, programs, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to all individuals with disabilities.
The foregoing principles are subject to the recognized defenses in the ADA and its implementing regulation. For instance, University is not required to modify its policies, practices, or procedures, provide auxiliary aids or services, or provide other accommodations if doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges or advantages that it provides, exceed the applicable requirements of the ADA, or restrict the right of the University to exclude an individual who poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others (as defined in the ADA and its implementing regulation).
Students or prospective students with disabilities should contact the University’s Student Success Center for information or assistance regarding resources and services available.
Parents, visitors or other guests or members of the public who may require accommodations when visiting the University or attending events sponsored by the University should contact the Human Resources office 304-243-8161. Any other department that receives any type of request for accommodations from visitors or quests should refer that request to Human Resources.
Harassment Based on Protected Characteristic is Prohibited
The University will maintain an environment that is free from harassment on the basis of Protected Characteristics. The University does not tolerate harassment on the basis of any Protected Characteristics by or against any applicant or student, parents or family members, or other visitors to campus or University sponsored events. Any hostile or adverse action based on a person’s Protected Characteristic(s) is a violation of this Policy.
Retaliation
The University prohibits any form of discrimination, harassment, adverse action or other retaliation against any individual who reports or files a complaint of discrimination in good faith, or who provides evidence, assists or otherwise participates in any investigation of or response to allegations of discrimination or harassment (collectively “Protected Conduct”). Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment because an individual engaged in Protected Conduct. Allegations of retaliation will be promptly investigated.
Investigation and Enforcement
The University will promptly investigate all allegations of discrimination, including harassment. If the University concludes that this Policy has been violated, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including termination of enrollment, employment, or other privileges.