Office of Accessibility, Resources, and Services (OARS)
We Are Here to Support You
At Piedmont University, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and accessible campus environment for all students. The Office of Accessibility, Resources, and Services (OARS) supports this commitment by partnering with students, faculty, and staff to ensure equal access to academic programs, campus services, and university life.
OARS works collaboratively with students who experience physical, mental, psychological, or medical conditions to identify and implement reasonable accommodations that promote access, independence, and student success. Our goal is to create an academic, social, and physical environment where all students can fully participate and thrive.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, an individual with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working), has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.
In alignment with these laws, Piedmont University provides reasonable academic and support accommodations based on each student’s individual needs. OARS engages in an interactive process with students to determine appropriate accommodations that support equitable access while maintaining the integrity of academic programs and university standards.
Disability Support Services
Support for Every Student
Disability Support Services are available to all Piedmont University students who may need accommodations or accessibility-related support. OARS welcomes students at any stage of their academic journey and encourages early communication to ensure timely support.
Students may contact OARS by emailing oars@piedmont.edu to ask questions, request information, or schedule an appointment. Meetings are available by appointment and may be conducted in person or virtually, as appropriate.
Requesting Accommodations
Students seeking to request accommodations—whether academic, housing, dietary, or related to emotional support animals—should begin by contacting the Office of Accessibility, Resources, and Services.
To request initial accommodations, please email oars@piedmont.edu or use the button below to begin the accommodation request process.
OARS staff will guide students through the next steps and provide support throughout the interactive process.
Piedmont University encourages students to engage with OARS proactively so that accommodations can be implemented in a timely and effective manner.
Temporary Accommodations
Piedmont University recognizes that students may experience short-term or temporary conditions that can impact their access to academic programs or campus services. Temporary accommodations may be appropriate for students with conditions such as injuries, concussions, post-surgical recovery, pregnancy-related conditions, or other short-term medical circumstances.
OARS works with students on a case-by-case basis to determine reasonable, time-limited accommodations designed to support access during the period of impact. Temporary accommodations are typically approved for a defined duration and may be adjusted, extended, or discontinued based on updated information or changing needs.
Students seeking temporary accommodations are encouraged to contact OARS as soon as possible to discuss their situation and available support options.
If you need more information, or have any questions, please contact:
Mia Borgstrom
Title IX and Compliance Coordinator
706-894-4207 | oars@piedmont.edu
Campus Life
College life is about way more than what happens in the classroom. And Piedmont students enjoy our university’s idyllic campus locations – including our main, 300-acre residential campus in Demorest, nestled amid the Appalachian foothills. Meanwhile, our satellite campus is situated in the heart of downtown Athens, just blocks from restaurants and entertainment venues. At Piedmont, you’ll find everything you’re looking for.
Your Future
At Piedmont, our approach to a liberal arts education will challenge your mind and supply you with critical thinking skills that will serve you well – no matter your choice of profession. And because of our successful alumni and dedicated faculty, our students build contacts and experience that help them navigate and chart a thriving career path. For example, Piedmont graduates have gone on to careers with Bank of America, the Banks County Sheriff’s Department, Cogent Communications, Eversheds, Sutherland, Fieldale Farms, Fulton County School System, Gas South, Mansfield Oil Co. Inc., The University System of Georgia Board of Regents, and more. Don’t wait, join our student body and chart your path for success today.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Piedmont University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity within its faculty, staff, and students. It is the policy of Piedmont University not to discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of sex, gender, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, race, age, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.