Preparing for College
Websites
Summer College
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
SummerStart
Office of Orientation and Transition Services
Other Resources
Higher Education and Opportunity Program (HEOP)
Student Support Services (SSS)
Student Organizations
SU Student Handbook
Websites
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
As a student preparing for post-secondary education you may find the following information to be helpful. There are many websites that provide information about transitioning to higher education including the ones listed below. These websites generally assist in providing answers to many of the questions students in transition from high school to post-secondary institutions may have including helping students to determine disability-related needs and assessing college readiness skills.
Websites
The Western New York Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates provides information about effective college planning including activities and worksheets to help students choose a college, decide if a student has the skills to succeed at college, and a section to help a student determine what questions to ask a college to aid in determining whether or not the college will be equipped to meet a student’s specific needs. http://ccdanet.org
The Post-Secondary Disability Consortium of Central New York (PDC/CNY) has developed this website to assist students, parents, educators, and consulting professionals in developing a better understanding of the issues involved in the transition to college for students with disabilities.
http://www.pdccny.org
The George Washington University HEATH Resource Center is a national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities with Publications that include Fact Sheets related to Transition to post-secondary education. http://www.heath.gwu.edu/
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education provides information in a pamphlet explaining the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing to attend postsecondary schools. This pamphlet also discusses the obligations of a postsecondary school to provide academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids and services, to ensure that the school does not discriminate on the basis of disability. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
SummerCollege
Summer College through Syracuse University provides high school students with opportunities to explore study and career interests while earning college credit. If you are a student with a disability in need of accommodation while participating in this program, it is important that you contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible regarding your specific needs.
For more information:
http://summercollege.syr.edu
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Individuals responsible for providing support services to students with disabilities on various college campuses may have different titles and work out of different offices. While all institutions of higher education provide access for students with disabilities to some degree, how that access is achieved may vary from one campus to the next. At Syracuse University, the staff in the Office of Disability Services (ODS) is responsible for coordinating access for students with disabilities through an interactive process involving the Office of Disability Services, the student, and when necessary, representatives from other University departments.
Following are examples of questions that have been addressed to staff over time. If you have any additional questions or concerns specific to your needs, please contact the Office of Disability Services.
Q: What kinds of services are available through the Office of Disability Services (ODS)?
A: Services for students with documented disabilities may include, but are not limited to, academic modifications, exam accommodations, note-taking services, alternate format of printed materials, interpreter services/captioning, assistive technology, counseling and advocacy.
Q: Is there a written policy regarding disability services?
A: The Office of Disability Services Policies and Procedures Manual is available for review on line or may be obtained upon request from the Office of Disability Services.
Q: How are services obtained?
A: Students with disabilities who plan to request accommodations should self-identify to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and provide documentation of a disability. Students will be asked to meet with a Counselor and in some cases meet with a Service Coordinator regarding their specific needs.
Q: What documentation is required and where should it be sent?
A: Documentation of a student’s disability should be from an appropriate qualified professional and should validate the need for services based on an individual’s current level of functioning in the educational setting. Medical information should also include the impact of any medication on the student’s ability to meet the demands in the post-secondary environment. Disability information should be sent to the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Students should also obtain a copy of their disability documentation from the original source and retain a copy for their personal records. Documentation Guidelines are available on line or may be obtained upon request from ODS.
Q: Confidentiality - Who has access to disability related information? How are faculty informed?
A: Disability documentation submitted to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) is considered confidential information and does not become part of a student’s permanent record. Disability information is housed in ODS unless a student submits the documentation to another campus department. Students are encouraged to obtain a copy of their disability documentation from the original source and retain a copy for their personal records. Disability documentation is normally maintained for ten years after the last recorded date of enrollment and then it is destroyed. Students in need of accommodation may receive an Accommodation Authorization Letter identifying necessary accommodations. This letter does not identify a specific disability, but rather, indicates necessary accommodations. Students are encouraged to use the Accommodation Authorization Letter as a tool for self-identifying to faculty. Disability related information will be treated in a confidential manner in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Q: What adaptive equipment is available for student use?
A: Technology is available to students through a number of campus departments including the Office of Disability Services, Media Services in the Bird Library, as well as in many of the campus Computer Clusters. Tools and devices include, but are not limited to, Zoomtext, Braille Embosser w/Duxburry, Daisy Readers to be used with Audio Tape/CD Text), TTY/TDD, Digital recorders, talking calculators, Kurzweil 3000, PDF Aloud Screen Reading Software, Dragon Naturally Speaking, FM Amplification Transmitters, and Visualtek Closed Circuit TV.
Q: Is there an orientation program for new students with disabilities?
A: Students with disabilities are encouraged to attend the programs offered through the Syracuse University Office of Orientation and Transition Services (OTS). In addition, staff in the Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides individual assistance to students depending upon specific need. For additional information, please contact staff in ODS.
Q: Is there an organized disability advocacy group on campus?
A: The Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee (BCCC) is an organization consisting of Syracuse University students who are working to create and support a positive climate toward disability that values individual differences in all University settings. The BCCC takes an active role in advocating for changes in the University policy and practice. For more information, please visit their website atHttp://bccc.syr.edu
Q: Is there a summer preparation program? Who is the contact person?
A: Summer Start is an opportunity offered to high school students to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. The program provides pre-freshmen with an opportunity to become familiar with Syracuse University while earning college credit. If you are a student with a disability in need of accommodation while participating in this program, it is important that you contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible regarding your specific needs. For more information regarding the summer preparation program and the contact person, please visit their website athttp://summerstart.syr.edu.
Q: Are the extracurricular activities accessible to me (e.g., guest speakers, plays, fraternities/sororities, clubs, etc.)?
A: All University sponsored activities should be accessible to students with disabilities. Syracuse University is the host of over 200 recognized student organizations. Contact information for student organizations is available on line at http://studentlife.syr.edu/ . In addition, the Syracuse Symposium, the University Lecture series, and Syracuse Stage offers a wide variety of programming including lecturers, performances, and/or exhibits.
Q: What academic support services are available to me on this campus? How does the availability of support match up with my support needs?
A: Syracuse University offers a number of academic support services including tutoring, writing support, math clinics, as well as assistance with studying, organization, and time management. Additional information about academic support services is available in the "Services" section of this website.
Q: Is there an adapted transportation system available on and off campus?
A: Syracuse University contracts with CENTRO (Central New York Regional Transportation Authority) to operate campus shuttle routes as well as “free fare” zones for SU students on its regular routes. Information regarding schedules, routes, as well as transportation options available on and off campus can be found on the Syracuse University Parking and Transit Services website. CENTRO operates buses and shuttles that are wheelchair accessible.
ADMISSIONS
The Syracuse University Office of Admissions is located in 100 Crouse-Hinds Hall. Crouse-Hinds Hall has an automatic door at the entrance, accessible restrooms, and accessible drinking fountains.
Accommodation(s)
If you are a student with a disability in need of accommodation during the admissions process (e.g., interview, campus tour, etc.) please contact the Office of Admissions to make a request regarding your specific needs. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services to discuss any disability related questions or concerns regarding campus accessibility. Disability related documentation should be sent directly to the Office of Disability Services.
Should I Self-Identify as a Student with a Disability to Admissions
Syracuse University values diversity and seeks to promote meaningful access to educational opportunities for all students. Admission to the University is based upon requirements established by the Admissions Office in accordance with University policy and the presence of a disability is not considered when an admissions decision is made. Applicants with disabilities are welcome to discuss their concerns they may have about the impact of their disability on admission to the University. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Office of Admission and/or the Office of Disability Services.
A prospective student with a disability is not obligated to self-identify prior to admission to the University unless s/he is requesting accommodations from the University. Upon acceptance, however, incoming students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible. Because many accommodations require advanced planning, early identification of a student’s needs helps to ensure that arrangements and accommodations can be made in a timely manner.
Contacts
Syracuse University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
100 Crouse-Hinds Hall
900 South Crouse Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2130
Telephone:(315) 443-3611
Web:http://admissions.syr.edu/indexflash.html
Syracuse University
Graduate School
200 Bowne Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
Telephone: (315) 443-2543
Web:http://gradsch.syr.edu
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Information regarding financial aid, including scholarships and fellowships for all students, including specific information for students with disabilities, can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs. The Office is located in 200 Archbold North. Archbold North has a push/pull accessible entrance, accessible restrooms and an elevator/lift.
Contact
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
200 Archbold North Syracuse, NY 13244-1140
Phone: (315) 443-1513
http://financialaid.syr.edu
Financial Aid for Students with Special Needs
http://financialaid.syr.edu/Bulletinboard.htm
Resources
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml
SUMMERSTART
Summer Start is an opportunity offered to high school students to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. The program provides pre-freshmen with an opportunity to become familiar with Syracuse University while earning college credit. If you are a student with a disability in need of accommodation while participating in this program, it is important that you contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible regarding any specific accommodation needs.
For more information:
http://summerstart.syr.edu
OFFICE OF ORIENTATION AND TRANSITION SERVICES
The Office of Orientation and Transition Services (OTS) hosts Syracuse University's new student orientation programs including the coordination of programs and leadership initiatives geared toward easing the transition of new students into the Syracuse University community.
For more information:
http://orientation.syr.edu
OTHER RESOURCES
Higher Education and Opportunity Office (HEOP)
HEOP is a program for New York State residents that provides educational opportunitiees and academic support to students who might otherwise be excluded from higher education due to circumstances of academic and economic disadvantage. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements.
For more information:
http://oss.syr.edu/heop.php
Office of Student Support Services (SSS)
Student Support Services (SSS) is a program that provides academic support services for students who are admitted to the University but are academically at risk due to economic circumstances, academic background, and/or their status as a first generation college student. Students must meet eligibility criteria to receive services under the SSS program.
For more information:
http://oss.syr.edu/sss.php
Student Organizations
Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee (BCCC)
The Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee (BCCC) is an organization consisting of Syracuse University students who are working to create and support a positive climate toward disability that values individual difference in all University settings. The BCCC takes an active role in advocating for changes in the Universit policy and practice.
For more information:
http://bccc.syr.edu
Campus Listing of Student Organizations
Syracuse University is the host of approximately 200 recognized student organizations. In this section you will find contact information for student organizations, as well as useful information for organization officers.
For more information:
http://studentlife.syr.edu/
SU Student Handbook
The Syracuse University Student Handbook provides an introduction to many opportunities available at SU and the surrounding community. Information is listed alphabetically by topic and the information can be accessed in booklet form as well as on line.
For more information:http://students.syr.edu/handbook/
Websites
Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/
Office of Civil rights (OCR)
http://www.ed.gov
US Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
http://www.AHEAD.org
National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities HEATH Resource Center
http://www.heath.gwu.edu
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
http://www.rfbd.org/