Access Assistant

About the role

Your work will directly support students' equitable access to education. By joining SDS, you will contribute to a mission-driven team committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive campus experience for all. Apply today and help advance access, inclusion, and student success at Cornell University.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating Student Applications for Disability Services
• Collaborate closely with the SDS team to coordinate workflow for new applications
• Review student disability application materials for completeness
• Verify student information in PeopleSoft and ensure accurate data entry in SDS systems
• Contact students to request additional or clarifying information
• Provide timely updates on application status and next steps
• Document application progress and supplemental materials in the SDS database
• Front Desk Coverage and Student Support
• Serve as a primary point of contact for a wide range of inquiries (in person, phone, and email) from students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors
• Respond independently to inquiries, including complex or sensitive topics, and route as appropriate
• Hold confidential conversations related to disability accommodations and processes
• Follow up with SDS staff to address questions or concerns
• Distribute and track assistive equipment provided to students
• Records Coordination
• Maintain and update confidential student records in SDS systems
• Receive, scan, upload, and organize documentation from multiple sources
• Audit database records regularly for accuracy and completeness
• Ensure all records are handled in compliance with FERPA and confidentiality standards
• Communicating Student Accommodations
• Send accommodation letters to faculty
• Notify and coordinate with campus partners (e.g., Residential & New Student Programs, academic departments, Environmental Health & Safety, ADA facilities partners, etc.)
• Work with SDS colleagues to help facilitate auxiliary services such as interpreting or accessible course materials
• Additional Responsibilities
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned
• Complete required university compliance trainings
• What We Need
• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Formal training beyond a HS Diploma of 2-4 years: two years of college coursework, associate degree, or equivalent combination required.
• Ability to learn new software systems quickly.
• Skilled with Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Bookings.
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with a proven record of providing excellent customer service. High level of sensitivity, judgment, independent decision-making and problem-solving, including a heightened appreciation for confidentiality.
• Ability to reason and use sound judgment in interpreting policies and procedures. Excellent organizational and data management skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Able to excel in team-based work environment
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following * If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.
• Bachelor's degree or other formal 4-year training in disability studies, or a related field.
• Experience working with a college-age population and in a university setting.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Cornell systems and programs.
• Knowledge of requirements for retention and confidentiality of disability and educational records.
• Important Notes About Applying
• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• This position is fully onsite and located on the Ithaca campus.
• There is no relocation assistance available for this position.
• There is no visa sponsorship available for this position.
• Rewards and Benefits
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and

Benefits

Additional Information

Access Assistant (Full Time, Onsite) About Student Disability Services (SDS) Student Disability Services (SDS) works in partnership with Cornell faculty, staff, and students to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of individuals with disabilities. SDS establishes and disseminates criteria for disability services, meets with students to discuss access needs, receives and stores confidential disability documentation to support a student's eligibility for disability services and accommodations, collaborates with faculty and staff regarding essential course and/or program requirements and appropriate reasonable accommodations. SDS provides campus leadership of diversity efforts that promote disability equity and inclusion.

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