Additional Resources for:

Resources and support to help you determine the best course of action

Determining if, when, and how to disclose a disability to an employer depends on your unique situation, and there is no clear answer for when, if, and how to disclose a disability. Always understand your rights, and consult with the Director of Student Accessibility Services about your unique situation.

Questions

• As an individual with a disability, am I protected by law in the workplace?

• Do I need to disclose my disability to an employer?

• Can an employer ask me if I have a disability or require me to take a medical test?

• If I disclose, when should I do so?

• How do I disclose my disability or ask for a reasonable accommodation?

• What is a “reasonable accommodation” in the workplace?

• If drug testing is a requirement, do I need to disclose any medication I am taking beforehand?

• Can I be terminated because of my disability?

• How do I participate in Off-Campus Study opportunities?

• What do I do if I feel I have been discriminated against?

As an individual with a disability, am I protected by law in the workplace?

You are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but only if you choose to disclose a disability to your employer.

Do I need to disclose my disability to an employer?

It is up to you to decide whether or not to disclose a disability to an employer, but if you choose not to, you will not be protected under the ADA. Many employees choose not to disclose their disability if they do not need an accommodation at work or would like to keep their disability private. Know that if you do disclose a disability, your employer is obligated to keep this information confidential.

Reasons you might decide to disclose your disability include:

- To obtain protection under ADA,
- To request an accommodation, or
- To relieve stress from “hiding” the disability.

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Can an employer ask me if I have a disability or require me to take a medical test?

If you are applying for a job, an employer may ask whether you can perform the job and how you would perform the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. The employer may not ask you to answer medical questions or take a medical exam before a job offer. After you are offered the job, the offer may be made with certain conditions such as passing a medical exam, but all new employees in the same type of job must take the same exam—not just employees with a disability. Generally, once you are hired, an employer can only ask medical questions or require a medical exam if medical documentation is needed to support your request for accommodation.

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If I disclose, when should I do so?

It is ultimately your decision when to disclose, and there are many possible variables to consider. For instance, individuals with apparent disabilities may have a different time frame than those with non-apparent disabilities. Timing options may include disclosing on a résumé, during an interview, after an offer has been made, or while you are working in the position. You are strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Accessibility Services to discuss your unique situation.

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How do I disclose my disability or ask for a reasonable accommodation?

The process of preparing to disclose a disability or to ask for an accommodation is a process that includes understanding your strengths and challenges as they relate to the position, preparing and practicing a script, and disclosing to the employer. When disclosing, it is important to be positive, confident, and brief. Remember, you set the tone. If you are positive and relaxed, the employer will be, too. Contact Student Accessibility Services for additional information, practice, or support regarding this process.

Here are some additional tips that may be of help:

1. Be Positive: Discuss your courage, motivation, creativity, perseverance, work ethic, and other qualities that make you unique. Stress your strengths and the contributions you can make to the organization.

2. Be Honest and Open: Know your disability and ask specifically for the accommodations you need. Describe the positive outcomes that you could bring to the workplace that would result from accommodations being met.

3. Be Confident: You will teach your employer how to respond to your disability based upon the way you handle disclosing it. Share success stories of times you have overcome your disability.

4. Be Well-Researched: Know when and what type of accommodation you will need. Awareness of your needs and presenting them to your employer in a positive manner is the most successful approach to requesting accommodations and disclosing a disability.

5. Be Brief: Do not feel obligated to share more than you wish.

6. Be Aware: Many corporations are eager to recruit and hire people with disabilities. Know who they are and explore your options with those organizations.

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What is “reasonable accommodation” in the workplace?

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “In general, an accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.” A reasonable accommodation does not change essential job functions and may vary depending on the size of the organization.

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If drug testing is a requirement, do I need to disclose any medication I am taking beforehand?

Companies have the right to require a drug-free workplace, so regular or random drug testing may be a requirement in a variety of industries. If you are taking medication that would show up on a drug test such as stimulant medications for ADHD, antidepressants, seizure medication, and others, a “false positive” result may occur. As a result, you may want to disclose your use of certain medications prior to testing. However, you also have rights such as being given the opportunity to show medical documentation, being able to take a second test to confirm results, be provided with a copy of results, be given the chance to appeal any decisions related to results, and have all private information disclosed remain confidential. You should also be given an opportunity to explain positive test results before they are given to an employer or potential employer, and confirmation from a doctor may be required.

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Can I be terminated because of my disability?

Employers can terminate an employee with a disability if the termination is unrelated to the disability, the employee does not meet essential requirements for the job (with or without an accommodation), the individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of the workplace, or if an infraction is related to a disability that has not been disclosed.

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How do I participate in Off-Campus Study opportunities?

We are dedicated to providing students with reasonable accommodations for Winter Term, May Term, and semester-long off-campus programs. You must be registered with Student Disability Services when requesting reasonable accommodations for all off-campus study programs.

The accommodations can vary based on the course selection, location of the course, and your unique needs. It is critical that you understand disability laws regarding accommodation and accessibility vary between countries. These laws can affect the accessibility of infrastructures, such as transportation, technology, architecture, classroom accommodations, and dietary needs. If you are interested in pursuing off-campus study, you should self-disclose any disability-related needs to Student Accessibility Services, if you have not done so previously. It is important to note that even though DePauw University is dedicated to meeting the needs of students with disabilities with reasonable accommodations, flexibility is helpful when exploring potential off-campus study opportunities. Each situation must be assessed on an individual basis to ensure the best fit and successful experience. 

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What do I do if I feel I have been discriminated against?

It is the employee’s responsibility to initiate a conversation with a supervisor or Human Resources. You should describe what has happened and work with your employer to resolve the matter. If the situation is not resolved, you could submit a formal grievance to your employer.

Additional Resources

• Office of Civil Rights

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

• The Americans With Disabilities Act

• Job Accommodation Network

Opportunities and resources available to help you make the most of your DePauw experience and professional planning as an International Student.

We are prepared to introduce tools you can use when considering all of your options for off-campus study, internships, and career planning. 

Off-Campus Study

International students are very well-prepared for a study abroad experience. We hope you take advantage of DePauw’s diverse study abroad opportunities. If you have plans to study abroad, you are responsible for securing the appropriate travel documents. In many cases you will need a visa to enter your host country.

The Hubbard Center provides free passport and visa photos for students who need to apply for a visa for study abroad. We are also able to assist in providing enrollment confirmation documents to Embassies and Consulate Generals in support of a visa application to study or intern abroad.

Remember to secure a signature from an authorized Designated School Official (DSO) on your I-20 before leaving campus for your study abroad. You will need this document in order to re-enter the United States. Contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, home of International Student Services, to secure a DSO signature.

Internships, On-Campus Employment and Career Search 

Hubbard Center advisors are prepared to advise you throughout your job search on topics including preparing job search materials, understanding the interview process, navigating the US job market, and beginning to build a network. We also work closely with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to help you understand how to obtain (Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).  In addition, we have created a brochure for employers, explaining their small role in supporting an international student when using CPT or OPT.

Exchange Students

F-1 and J-1 (one-year exchange students) are welcomed and encouraged to secure employment on-campus at DePauw. An on-campus position can be a great way to start learning about work culture in the United States, to develop a network, and to gain practical skills to add to your resume. You can search for and apply to on-campus job listings on Handshake.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

If you are a degree-seeking international student on an F-1 visa, you are eligible to complete an internship under CPT as long as the internship is related to your academic course of study. For example, an Economics major can complete an internship in finance, or a Computer Scientist major can complete an internship in information technology. Contact International Student Services to ensure you have the appropriate paperwork completed from your employer BEFORE starting your internship.

If  you want to stay in the United States after graduation, you will find that regulations surrounding your ability to work in the U.S. can be confusing and subject to change. The Hubbard Center can help you navigate these rules and introduce you to resources designed to help your career search.

Additional Resources for Your Career Search

The Hubbard Center has several resources to assist you as you prepare for life after DePauw. Some are available publically and others require you to visit the Hubbard Center to request access. Of course, you are always welcome to schedule an appointment with a Hubbard Center adviser (many of whom have lived abroad and traveled abroad) for assistance with these resources or for other reasons.  

• Interstride:  A system you can use to identify employers who are able to sponsor international employees, obtain information about the U.S. as well as global career and employment opportunities, learn more about visas and immigration, and connect with other international students to build a network. Visit the Hubbard Center for more information.

• GoinGlobal: A resource that includes a H1B Visa database of US companies that sponsor employees, shares hiring information for 120 global locations, and provides a robust job and internship board.

• Firms that offer Visa Sponsorship: H1 Sponsoring Firms

• Tips on launching a global career: Creating a Global Career

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Visa and immigration information

Resources to help students who identify along the spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Scholarships

HRC.org: List of Scholarships for LGBT Students

College Scholarships.org: List of LGBT Scholarships

Suite101.com: List of LGBT College Scholarships

FinAid.org: List of Financial Aid Links for LGBT Students

Professional Resources

• NovoResume.com - a guide to provide the LGBTQ+ community with job search resources and tips to identify companies that promote inclusion.

• Out in the Workplace? A Guide from Career Services - A guide written by Career Services counselors offers advice about coming out during the job search process and in the workplace, in addition to resume writing and interviewing tips.

• Human Rights Campaign - Source of information on workplace and corporate attitudes and policies surrounding sexual orientation.  Includes links to information about employee groups, organizations and companies offering domestic partnership benefits, and legal and discrimination policies. Also a bibliography of career related issues.
  The Human Rights Campaign is also the publisher of the Corporate Equality Index. This index "provides a simple way to evaluate whether America's biggest employers are treating their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and consumers equitably." The index is based on a 10-point system that rates corporate policies and actions toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Of particular interest is their recent white paper on Transgender-Inclusive Benefits for Employees and Dependents.

• Out For Work - A nonprofit dedicated to educating, preparing, and empowering LGBT college students and their allies for the workplace. Read their annual HOT SHOTS publication online here or in print in the Career Services library.

• ProGayJobs.Com - First e-Recruitment site dedicated to gays and lesbians to get jobs in gay-friendly companies. The website provides job postings from companies that promote diversity and provide safe and open environments for Gay and Lesbian workers.

• Out Professionals - Leading gay and lesbian professional networking site.

• GoFinancialAid.com - A list of financial aid information for the LGBT community.

• Lamda Legal - National LGBT civil rights organization; website includes information about workplace discrimination cases.

• National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education - Includes job listings for college and university positions.

• Out and Equal - Non-profit organization based in San Francisco that discusses LGBT workplace issues.

• Pride at Work - AFL-CIO group that seeks to integrate LGBT concerns into the larger Labor Movement.

• National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals - Empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and peer support.

• Federal Globe - LGBT organization that represents the interests of federal employees.

• Personal Finance Guide for LGBTs from Aptus Insurance.

• I AM: Trans People Speak - A project to raise awareness about the diversity that exists within transgender communities.

• Sylvia Rivera Law Project - Organization that works against transgender discrimination, violence and harassment to try to improve equality for transgender individuals.

• Simplyhired - A LGBT-friendly job search

• National Center for Transgender Equality - Social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.

• Transgender Law Center - A nonprofit organization that takes on transgender legal battles to enhance transgender equality in the United States.

• Transgender Law and Policy Institute - A nonprofit that aims to help transgender individuals by watching policy developments and legal issues on the subject.

• MoneyGeek.com- Resources for LGBTQ+ College Students - A comprehensive, user-friendly guide for prospective or current students, their families, and educators that offers insight to the challenges and concerns that are specific to the LGBTQ+ community.

• National Association of Colleges & Employers: LGBT Resources - Recently, members of the NACE Community shared a list of resources that they find helpful and valuable in working with LGBT college students, job candidates, and employees.

• IndyPride Career Fair

* Adapted from University of Pennsylvania Career Services

Information and resources to help you explore options for your professional journey after graduation even if you are unsure what you want to do.

Career Assessments

Hubbard Center advisers enjoy working with students who are not sure of their post graduation plans. We have several tools that can help you discover your strengths and learn how your strengths can help you plan your academic major and find a career you are passionate about. Hubbard Center advisers can help you determine which assessment will meet your needs.

• StrengthsQuest- helps you discover your natural talents and how they relate to potential majors and career fields.

• MBTI (Myers Briggs)- helps you learn more about "what makes you tick," how you relate to people and how you can use this to plan.

• Strong Interest Inventory- helps you determine how your interests relate to potential majors and professional career fields.

Other ways Hubbard Center advisers can help

Hubbard Center advisers can help assist with many needs related to your career exploration. For example, we can help you:

• Explore internship and career options

• Develop your first resume and cover letter

• Refine your existing resume and cover letter

• Develop your network through tools and techniques including LinkedIn

You can find more information about each of these services, and other ways we can help, on our Career Development Page.