Managing accommodations takes time, especially when requests are scattered across emails, paper forms, and different systems. Staff often have to track down details from various sources, which slows the process and adds stress for everyone involved. To keep up with growing demand, many colleges are turning to unified accommodation management systems that bring the whole process into one place.
Splitting Requests Across Systems Can Slow Everything Down
Colleges handle a wide range of accommodation requests, from classroom adjustments to testing support. At two-year colleges, each disability services coordinator supports around 200 students, while four-year campuses average about 75 students per coordinator. When that workload is spread across paper files, emails, and spreadsheets, it becomes harder to keep up with increasing student counts. They often spend extra time tracking down information or entering the same details in more than one place.
Additionally, the more disconnected the process, the harder it is to keep things moving. A simple update can turn into a series of emails. Or a missing form might delay an exam accommodation. Even well-organized teams can fall behind when the system creates unnecessary friction. And when every extra step takes time and is less efficient, that makes failing accessibility standards a greater risk.
How a Unified Platform Speeds Up Accommodation Management
Managing accommodations shouldn’t be harder just because the process is spread across different systems. A unified platform brings every part of the process into one place. That makes it easier for staff to work quickly and stay organized.
Faster Access to Student History Reduces Delays
When everything is in one system, staff can easily view a student’s full case history. There’s no need to search through emails or dig through old files. Quick access helps move requests forward without delays. It also makes it easier to handle multiple requests during busy times.
Centralized Communication Keeps Everyone Aligned
A unified platform helps staff, faculty, and students stay on the same page. Each message and update is linked to the corresponding request, ensuring that nothing gets lost. That means fewer emails, fewer mistakes, and faster follow-ups. Everyone knows what’s been shared and what still needs to happen.
Paperless Tools Reduce Manual Work and Wait Times
When forms are handled online, there’s no need to scan, print, or file paper copies. Requests can be reviewed and shared faster with fewer steps. Paperless tools also make it easier to track progress and avoid missing documents. That means less time spent on paperwork and more time helping students.
Automation Removes Bottlenecks From Common Requests
Some requests follow the same steps every time, like generating letters or notifying instructors. Automation handles these tasks so staff don’t have to repeat the same work. This saves time and creates a smoother experience for students. It also helps staff focus on the cases that need more support.
Audit Logs Prevent Repeat Work and Delays
With audit logs, it’s easy to see the accommodation status for a given student at any time. When everything is unified in one place, it’s easier to avoid repeat work caused by missing or misplaced information. This helps avoid confusion or mistakes with updates and records, creating better consistency across the board. It also helps keep universities compliant.
Why Efficiency Matters for Students and Staff
When students ask for accommodations, timing often matters as much as the support itself. Delays can add stress and make it harder to stay on track with coursework. In testing situations, 78% of students reported feeling more relaxed with time accommodations, even if they didn’t use the extra time. Requests can come in many forms, and a timely response can be invaluable to students who are already under pressure to perform well.
For staff, efficiency is about more than speed. When systems are easier to manage, they free up time without impacting the quality of their work. Instead of chasing down documents or repeating manual tasks, staff can focus more attention on each individual request. That extra time makes it easier to respond with care, solve complex needs, and provide better support overall.
Saving Time Means Supporting Students More Effectively
Managing everything in one place helps reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. That saved time adds up across every part of the process, from reviewing documentation to communicating across departments. As a result, a unified approach creates more flexibility for timely and focused support, allowing students to receive the help they need more easily.
AMS Unifies the Accommodation Process From Start to Finish
Orchestrate AMS consolidates the entire accommodation process into a single, secure, and easy-to-use system. It helps staff save time at every stage while improving consistency and accuracy. From easy access to student history to automatically generating accommodation letters, AMS keeps the process moving. By using a unified solution, staff can move faster, stay organized, and deliver more impactful student support.
