Instructor Portal FAQs
What is GB ACCESS?
GB ACCESS is an online accommodation and case management system that serves as a hub for accommodation information for students with disabilities and instructors.
How do students use GB ACCESS?
Students will log in to GB ACCESS each semester to select which of their approved accommodations they wish to use for each class. The student's selections generate a Faculty Notification Letter that is sent to course instructors by email.
How do instructors use GB ACCESS?
As a result of this new system, instructors will now receive customized information about classroom accommodations that are specific to each course, as students will select just those accommodations that are needed for each course. Students are still expected to meet with instructors to discuss their accommodations.
What is a Faculty Notification Letter?
Student Accessibility Services determines reasonable accommodations, in consultation with students and their professors. The Faculty Notification Letter identifies accommodations that are intended to minimize barriers and provide equal access for students without compromising the essential functions of a course. Letters will be emailed to instructors each semester.
Can I see a list of students with Faculty Notification Letters in my class?
Yes. You will see a list through the Instructor Portal in GB ACCESS.
What can I see in the GB ACCESS Instructor Portal?
Faculty will have access to:
- a list of students who have generated a Faculty Notification Letter for each class
- at a glance, the number of students who have exam accommodations, communication access accommodations (e.g. interpreter, C-Print, media captioning), alternative formats, and notetaking accommodations
- the Faculty Notification Letter for each student
- ability to review notes uploaded by notetaker(s)
Are Faculty Notification Letters the same for each course and each section of a course?
Not necessarily. Students select from their approved accommodations to generate a Faculty Notification Letter specific to each section of each course. For example, a student may need notetaking accommodations in the lecture section of a course, but not for the discussion section of the same course. A Faculty Notification Letter will be emailed to the instructor(s) of record for each section.
When will I receive Faculty Notification Letters?
Faculty Notification Letters will be sent out roughly two weeks in advance of each semester for all students who have made their requests. Once that date has passed, newly requested letters will go out as soon as they are generated by students. If there is no instructor of record for a section, the Faculty Notification Letter(s) will be held until an instructor is assigned.
Who has access to GB ACCESS?
- Students with disabilities who are registered with Student Accessibility Services.
- Any Instructor of record assigned to courses and their sections. This may include faculty, teaching assistants, lab instructors, and other instructional staff. If no students have generated a Faculty Notification Letter for the class, there will be nothing to view in the instructor portal.
Do advisors have access to GB ACCESS?
No. Only instructors of record for each course/section have access.
How do I get assistance with a student's accommodations implementation?
Please contact Student Accessibility Services, the advisor's name and contact information will appear on each Faculty Notification Letter.
Why am I receiving multiple Faculty Notification Letters for one student?
- Possibility 1: If a student updates their accommodations selections in GB ACCESS during the semester, you will receive an updated letter by email.
- Possibility 2: If a student generates a Faculty Notification Letter for a discussion section and a lecture section of the same class, and you are listed as the instructor for both, you will receive a letter for both sections.