The employee begins the process by completing the "Request for ADA Reasonable Accommodation" form and submits it to Human Resources Benefits by emailing humanresources@stcloudstate.edu OR by submitting a ticket through Team Dynamix and selecting topic "Leave/FMLA/ADA and Other Accommodation Questions".

Once received, a Human Resources staff member will review the request and determine if the request falls under ADA or FMLA.

A Human Resources Team member will reach out to the employee to begin the interactive process, which is a collaborative discussion between the employee and human resources. SCSU works to identify and implement accommodations that are both effective and appropriate. This personalized approach ensures that each request is handled with care, consistency, and in alignment with applicable policies and laws.

 Please see the steps to this process below:

1. Human Resources provides the employee the ADA Authorization for Release of Medical Information form and the Request for ADA Reasonable Accommodation form.
2. The employee completes and returns the "ADA Authorization for Release of Medical Information" and the "Request for ADA Reasonable Accommodation" forms to their Human Resources representative.
3. Human Resources will then submit the authorization form and a questionnaire form to the employee’s medical provider.
4. The medical provider will fax the information back to Human Resources.
5. Once this information is received, Human Resources will review and follow up with the employee if clarification is needed.
6. If the condition is eligible under ADA, Human Resources will then reach out to the employee’s direct supervisor to discuss potential accommodation options. Supervisors are not informed of the disability, but will be informed of possible accommodations needed.
7. The previous steps may be repeated to obtain and share enough information to complete the interactive process.
8. Once an accommodation plan has been made, Human Resources will circulate a document by email for signatures. The arrangement must be reviewed from time to time. 
9. If an employee does not agree with the reasonable accommodation offered by Human Resources, the interactive process may continue to determine if an agreement can be reached. If an agreement cannot be reached to the employee's liking, the employee may complete an Accommodation Appeal form. Once filled out, the employee would submit the appeal form to the Office for Institutional Equity & Access (OEA) to appeal that reasonable accommodation.

It is important to note that not all accommodations are approved.

The final accommodations offered may not be what was initially requested by the employee; however, the arrangement will still address the needs of the employee and allow the employee to perform the essential functions of their position. MinnState procedure and the ADA process allow for the employer to choose among different effective accommodations when effective options exist. 

Accommodations will not be in place until after the review and interactive process (approval, completed forms, notifications) with the employee (and supervisor) has been completed.

The primary objective of providing reasonable accommodations is to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment where employees with disabilities can perform their position effectively and engage fully in all aspects of employment at the university. This commitment reflects St. Cloud State University's dedication to accessibility, equity, and equal opportunity for all employees.