TARGET 3
IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY
ON CAMPUS
ABOUT TARGET 3:
Whether it be navigating campus with ease and adequate resources or safely practicing religion, accessibility on campus is a fundamental right. Although the University lists accessibility as a major priority, students with disabilities continue to struggle with everyday experiences at the University. Our team will prioritize improving access to housing and academic buildings, developing a live-updating accessibility map of campus, and better supporting students with learning disabilities inside the classroom.
TARGET-SPECIFIC POLICIES:
Goal 3.1 – Introducing Hardship Housing
Establish a hardship housing application for students facing challenges like financial constraints, medical needs, family responsibilities, or transportation limitations. Collaborate with Carolina Housing to implement the process, offer accommodations, and provide access to additional resources. Include an appeals and feedback system to ensure equity and continuous improvement.
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Goal 3.2 – Creating Live Accessible Mapping Options
Develop a live campus map highlighting construction sites, mobility disruptions, and accessibility features like ramps and elevators. Partner with the Equal Opportunities and Compliance Office to allocate resources and establish communication with facilities teams for timely updates. Launch an awareness campaign to introduce the map and maintain a student feedback loop for improvements.
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Goal 3.3 – Improving Housing and Academic Building Accessibility
Conduct an accessibility audit of campus facilities and create short-term and long-term improvement plans. Form a student-run committee for ongoing feedback and ensure future construction exceeds accessibility compliance. Focus on actionable, prioritized upgrades inspired by examples like the Old Well ramp.
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Goal 3.4 – Introducing Accessible Sports
Collaborate with Campus Recreation and Disability Advocates for Carolina to establish accessible sports programs. Begin with a student interest meeting to identify desired sports and integrate them into Carolina’s intramural clubs, ensuring inclusivity in recreational opportunities.
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Goal 3.5 – Expanding Language Accessibility
Improve accessibility for non-English-speaking families by partnering with admissions and orientation offices to provide multilingual materials for tours, admissions, orientations, and financial aid. Offer self-guided and in-person campus tours in additional languages to support prospective students and families.
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Goal 3.6 – Expanding Religious Accessibility
Advocate for a permanent prayer room in the Student Union in partnership with the Muslim Student Association. Address the current challenges with temporary bookings to ensure a consistent, protected space for religious practices.
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Goal 3.7 – Introducing a 24-Hour Accessibility Hotline
Work with the Accessible Carolina Committee to create a 24-hour hotline for students to report accessibility issues like elevator outages. Provide an immediate resource to address accessibility concerns and hold the university accountable for prompt resolutions.