Priority Registration as a

Disability-Related Accommodation

Who is eligible?

All priority registration requests are reviewed and approved by authorized staff in the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC). Priority Registration as a disability-related accommodation may only be provided for a disability as defined by federal or state law. As with other disability-related accommodations, there must be a direct nexus between the disability/condition and the need for the accommodation. Eligibility for priority registration may be periodically re-evaluated by SDRC and prior approval does not constitute automatic entitlement to continued eligibility. 

SDRC will not approve priority registration based on consideration of graduation time limitation, financial need, and sponsorship by programs such as Worker’s Compensation, Department of Rehabilitation, Veterans benefits, private insurance, etc.

How does SDRC determine eligibility for priority registration?

The UCR student must be registered with SDRC and have a disability-related need, which meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. The student requires accommodations that are time intensive for SDRC to implement, such as converting required texts and instructional materials into alternative formats or securing Sign Language interpreters.
2. The student has a physical or mobility impairment that requires the need to schedule classes in accessible locations and, when possible, near one another.
3. The student has extraordinary class scheduling needs due to health restrictions, extensive therapy/medical treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, renal dialysis, etc.) or the need to administer medications at specific times.
4. The student has a disability-related circumstance that SDRC deems appropriate for priority registration.

Priority Registration does NOT?

• Apply to a student's first academic quarter/term at UCR, as they will register for classes during Orientation (see below for additional information).
• Guarantee availability of classes or the provision of courses/sections on specific days or at specific times of the day.
• Make adjustment for stress/anxiety related to registering for classes, or getting classes that are needed to graduate at a specific time.

We recognize the process of registering for classes at UCR can be challenging at times. Stress related to the registration process is separate from a disability-related need for an accommodation to have equal access to your education. You are encouraged to meet with your academic advisor to help you in developing alternative schedule plans, should your top choice schedule not be available. 

Are new UCR students (first year or new transfer students) with disabilities able to get Priority Registration as an accommodation?

Yes, new UCR students with disabilities may be approved for Priority Registration as an accommodation. However, it will not be available to use until your 2^nd quarter of enrollment at UCR. With the exception of highly specialized accommodation needs, new students are not eligible for priority registration for their 1^st quarter due to the requirement for all incoming students to receive academic advising as part of Highlander Orientation prior to registration. Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in one of the first two sessions of Highlander Orientation or Highlander Transfer Orientation to have better options during academic registration process for new students.

Note: Examples of highly specialized accommodation needs include: Extraordinary class scheduling needs due to extensive medical treatments or mobility limitations, American Sign Language, captioning services or circumstances deemed exceptional by SDRC.

How do I register with the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC)?

Visit the SDRC website to learn about how to apply for disability-related accommodations and services.