What programs and services does SAS offer?
We offer programs and provide services related to academic accommodations, transition programming and support, assistive technology, alternate text formats and learning strategies services.
Who is eligible for SAS services?
Anyone with a disability is eligible for SAS services, whether it is a permanent disability (e.g., ASD, ADHD, deaf, blind) or a temporary disability (e.g., broken arm, concussion).
Does my high school accommodation plan transfer over when I start university?
No. Learning in university can be different, so it’s important that your plan is updated accordingly. Review this guide on the differences between high school and university accommodations.
Then, register with SAS to connect with your program coordinator, who will work with you to create a personalized accommodation plan.
What do program coordinators do?
When you register with SAS, you will be assigned to a specific program coordinator for the duration of your degree/studies at McMaster University. They will provide disability-related education, assist in setting up your academic accommodations and inform you about other services available to support your learning. You will meet your program coordinator at your intake appointment.
What accommodations are available at SAS?
Some common accommodations include extra time on tests/exams, writing tests/exams in alternative locations, extensions on assignments and recording lectures. However, accommodations vary from student to student, as disabilities impact people differently. The submitted medical documentation needs to confirm a functional impairment in order to receive academic accommodations.
What assistive technology support is available at SAS?
Your program coordinator may refer you to an assistive technologist if you require assistive technology to support your learning. The assistive technologist can help you explore different types of technology (i.e., screen readers, tablets, specialized computer navigation tools) and provide training on how to use the technology for academic tasks.
What learning strategy support is available at SAS?
Your program coordinator may refer you to a learning strategist if you want to strengthen your academic skills. Some learning strategies they can help you develop include note-taking, effective studying, active listening and organization.
Who should I contact if I can’t make an appointment?
If you can’t make your appointment, please let SAS know 24 hours in advance. You can either contact us at sas@mcmaster.ca or call (905) 525 9140 ext. 28652 and press 1 to connect with the SAS front desk.
SAS has a no-show policy. The policy outlines that any missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24-hours notice have a no-show fee of $30, which is charged to your Mosaic account.
How do I register with SAS?
How do I register with SAS?
To register with SAS, you must request an intake appointment through the
Once you are on the Student Portal, select “Request an Intake Appointment.”
You will be asked to log in using your McMaster ID (MacID) and password to complete the registration form. After submitting the form, you will receive an email/phone call within two business days (Monday to Friday) from our administration staff to book an intake appointment with a program coordinator. Your registration with SAS will be completed when you attend your intake appointment and activate your accommodations.
Does my high school accommodation plan transfer over when I start university?
No. Learning in university can be different, so it’s important that your plan is updated accordingly. Review this guide on the differences between high school and university accommodations.
Then, register with SAS to connect with your program coordinator, who will work with you to create a personalized accommodation plan.
What if I think I might have a disability, but I don’t have a diagnosis? Can I still register with SAS?
Yes, you can still register with SAS if you suspect you have a disability or are in the process of receiving documentation. Our program coordinators can provide more information on where to go to receive a diagnosis. While you’re waiting for documentation, you can receive temporary academic accommodations for one term.
What if I’m still not sure if I should register with SAS when I begin university and want to wait? Will it be too late?
You may choose to register at any time. While it is an individual choice, we strongly recommend that you review the SAS website before making a decision. This should be done as early as possible in the term so that we can assist you in getting your academic accommodations in place.
What type of medical documentation do I need to provide?
Medical documentation should be uploaded before your intake appointment so your program coordinator can review it ahead of time. Medical documentation should be completed by a qualified professional and outline the functional impairments of your disability. Learn more about medical documentation required for different conditions.
Who can fill out my medical documentation?
Please refer to the guide for medical documentation for more information on who is eligible to provide medical documentation. If you have additional documentation completed by a provider that is not listed, you are welcome to upload it to the Student Portal as supporting documentation. However, additional medical documentation from a qualified provider is still required.
How do I upload documentation?
Medical documentation is uploaded to the Student Portal. Select “Upload Documentation.”
What happens during the intake appointment?
During the intake appointment, you will meet your program coordinator. They will review the accommodation process and conduct a Functional Impairment Assessment to determine appropriate academic accommodations and services to support your learning.
Will being registered with SAS show up on my transcript?
No, this information is confidential and will not show up on your transcript.
How do I activate my accommodations?
Visit the Accommodation Requests page and click on the section for your student status (undergraduate student, continuing education student, graduate/medicine student or Mohawk-McMaster student) to learn how to activate your accommodations. This page also provides additional information on activating accommodations for tests and exams.
I am trying to activate my accommodations, but my accommodations are incorrect or need changes. What do I do?
Do not complete the activation process yet. Book an appointment with your program coordinator to modify/fix your accommodation list.
What do I need to tell my professors when asking for my accommodations?
You do not need to disclose any information about your disability to your professors. The SAS program coordinator will send a list of your accommodations to your professors, but will not share the reason for the accommodations. You can activate your accommodations and let your professors know via email that you’ve done so.
My program coordinator says I will be writing in an alternate classroom or at the Testing Centre. Where can I find the date, time and location for my tests and exams?
Go to the Student Portal website and click on the “My Appointments” button in the centre of the page.
The website will ask you to sign in using your McMaster ID and password. You will be able to view your test schedule on this page.
For final exams, you can view your exam schedule by logging into Mosaic and clicking the “My Exam Schedule” button.
I am writing a test in the Testing Centre, where is it located?
The Tim Nolan Testing Centre is located in the basement of the Student Centre (MUSC) in Room B101.
What happens if my test isn’t booked? What should I do?
Check the Student Portal two–three days before your test date. If your test isn’t scheduled, email sas@mcmaster.ca and copy your program coordinator.
How do I make changes to my accommodation plan?
To make changes to your accommodation plan, you will need to book and attend a follow-up appointment with your program coordinator. You can book a follow-up appointment on the Student Portal by selecting “Book a Follow-Up Appointment.”
How can I make an appointment with my program coordinator?
Go to the Student Portal and book a follow-up appointment by clicking on the “Book a Follow-Up Appointment” option.
I booked a follow-up appointment a while ago and forgot when it is. How do I find out?
Go to the Student Portal and click on “My Appointments.”
Who should I contact if I can’t make an appointment?
If you can’t make your appointment, please let SAS know 24 hours in advance. You can either contact us at sas@mcmaster.ca or call (905) 525 9140 ext. 28652 and press 1 to connect with the SAS front desk.
SAS has a no-show policy that outlines any missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24-hours notice have a fee of $30, which is charged to your Mosaic account.
Other people I know who are registered with SAS have accommodations that I don’t have, but want. Why did I not get those accommodations?
No two students are impacted the same by a disability. Accommodations are given based on functional impairments indicated by a combination of medical documentation and the program coordinator’s Functional Impairment Assessment.
When should I get additional documentation from my health-care provider?
Your program coordinator will let you know if you need to obtain additional documentation through email or at your intake appointment. It is dependent on the nature of your disability and the date on the original documentation you submitted when registering with SAS.
What assistive technology services are available on campus?
Library Accessibility Services provides assistive technology services on campus, including access to alternative text formats of course material/textbooks, screen readers, light-sensitive tablets/monitors, scribe devices and magnifying devices at the Campus Accessible Tech Spaces (CATS). Learn more about Library Accessibility Services.
What are some other services on campus that support my learning and well-being?
The Student Success Centre provides academic coaching and peer mentoring, writing support, career counselling and more. Learn more about the Student Success Centre.
The Student Wellness Centre provides free counselling support, medical care and health programming for students. Learn more about the Student Wellness Centre.
How do I declare my disability on OSAP?
You need to get your health-care provider to fill out the Disability Verification Form and upload it to the OSAP website. Filling out this form makes you eligible for additional funding that you can use for programs and supports.
Who do I contact if I feel I have been subjected to discrimination or harassment because of my disability?
McMaster University is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming environment where all students and community members can fully participate in a respectful setting.
Book an appointment with the Equity and Inclusion Office at McMaster University. They can provide consultation on issues related to human rights and can assist in the process of filing a formal complaint.
Who can I go to if I have questions about planning my courses?
We recommend you contact your Faculty academic advisor. They can provide services to help you plan your courses and how to enroll/drop courses.