Bifröst University provides equal opportunities for study, regardless of gender, age, finances, disability or residence, as laid down in the Universitys´ Policy and Regulation Manuel. Below are possible concessions that the University can make for compromisedstudents that are challenged significantly in their studies. An expert diagnosis of the disability or special need must be provided to the school counselors in order to receive any concession. These concessions do not in any way consist of lowering reasonable study requirements.

The following is a general framework, but individual needs are different, and  individual concessions are in some cases customised.  

Definitions

Disability, in this context, refers to mental or physical disabilities, as defined by Icelandic law on the affairs of the disabled.

Special needs/impediments refers to specific study difficulties and impediments resulting from accidents, chronic disease or other causes.

The principal concessions available are:

In studies

• Supportive interviews with student counsellors
• Courses on study methods and approaches
• Scanning of study material and subsidised speech synthesisers  

In examinations

• Extended examination time – 15 minutes added to each hour
• Tranquillity, special rooms for students with longer examination times, possible solitude if necessary
• Enlarged and/or coloured examination papers
• Oral examinations

Additionally, some examinations at Bifröst are taken on computers and instructors slides, are available in electronic form.

Whom to contact?

The Vocational and Career Counsellors at Bifröst are responsible for special concessions, students requiring them should contact their counsellor. For all special solutions, students need to submit a diagnosis or a testimonial from a competent party before the appointed deadline.  In the case of special concessions for a semester, a testimonial/diagnosis must be submitted at least two week prior to the semester. In the case of special concessions in examinations, the deadline for submissions of requests is one month before the first examination. If a diagnosis/testimonial is submitted after this time it is not certain that it will be possible to arrange for special concessions. 

Written agreement

Once the type of concessions has been established, a written agreement is made between the student and Student Counsellor, which is forwarded to the Dean of Studies and faculty dean in question.

Procedure

When the Counsellor has a diagnoses, he/she with the students and the person responsible for the course in question, assesses the students’ needs and possible concessions. In the event of issues relating to the concessions which are either unorthodox or difficult to apply, the case is referred to a faculty meeting, which decides in the matter. The Counsellor in question attends the meeting on the students behalf.  The approval of the faculty or teacher is not needed for special solutions unless they require the direct involvement of the faculty staff, for example if a student needs to take an oral instead of a written examination.

The University can deny special concession to a students if it lowers academic standards and thus excuses the student in question from meeting the requirements for completion of a class or graduation.