Setting Up College Accommodations: A Guide for Freshmen
Transitioning to college can be a significant change, especially for students who require academic accommodations for ADHD and/or other learning differences. In high school, mom or dad may have been on top of making sure their student received appropriate accommodations, But in college, it’s most likely the student who will need to be in charge of this process.
We see many students who are reluctant to register for college accommodations despite qualifying for them, and we think that’s a big mistake! College accommodations are not “retroactive” - the college does not have to allow a do-over if a student decides after an exam that they would have done better with extra time or in a quiet space. College Success Plan coaches encourage (and help!) their students register for accommodations so they are set up and in place, even if they never choose to use them. Another difference for many students is that unlike high school, in college, the only people who need to know they have accommodations are the people directly involved, like professors. This means many other students will also be taking advantage of accommodations appropriate for their learning needs, so why would you put yourself at a disadvantage by not keeping the option open if you need it?
The approval process for accommodations can take several weeks, so students need to get started with the process as early as possible. While every school’s process is a little different, the basic steps will be the same:
Familiarize yourself with your college’s resources. Schools have many names for these offices including Disability Services Office, Student Success Office, Center for Student Accessibility, etc. Search the website for words like “accommodations” and “access” and you will be directed to the right page.
Reflect on what specific accommodations you used in high school and how they helped you. Consider any new accommodations you might need in the college environment.
Set up an appointment with an officer in your school’s office for accommodations (you can often set this up right on the website).
Gather any documentation that supports your need for accommodations. This may include medical records, psychological evaluations, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from high school.
Bring all relevant documentation to your meeting, or upload it in advance if you are meeting virtually. This helps the disability services office understand your needs and determine appropriate accommodations.
Understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This knowledge empowers you to advocate for yourself effectively. Elizabeth Hamblet’s book, 7 Steps to College Success - A Pathway for Students with Disabilities is an excellent resource to familiarize yourself with disability services and applicable laws in higher education vs. the secondary school level.
Work with the disability services staff to develop an accommodation plan tailored to your needs. Ensure the plan covers the specific accommodations you require, which may include things such as extended test time, opportunity to take tests in a distraction-reduced location, note-taking services, assistive technology, priority housing and/or class registration, etc.
Once your accommodation plan is finalized, the disability services office will provide you with accommodation letters to give to your professors. The letter will only inform the professor of the accommodations to which you are entitled - it will not share the nature of your disability with your professor, although you may choose to do so if you wish.
Schedule a private meeting with each professor to discuss your accommodations and how they can be implemented in their class.
Use your accommodations proactively. If you encounter any issues, communicate them promptly to your professors and the disability services office. Keep track of deadlines and ensure you submit requests for accommodations, such as extended test time, well in advance.
Many colleges offer tutoring and other academic support services that can complement your accommodations. Review your school’s website with an eye towards study skill centers, free tutoring and time management workshops.
Have regular check-ins with the disability services office to evaluate the effectiveness of your accommodations and make any necessary adjustments.
Setting up accommodations and utilizing them in the best way possible are critical steps for college students who learn and think differently. At College Success Plan, our coaches are experts in helping students take advantage of all of the resources available at their particular institution, but that is just the start. Our one-on-one coaching programs support students at any institution, from small liberal arts colleges to flagship state universities, and provide an individualized level of support that goes far beyond that available at most (if not all) institutions. Schedule a call with us today to learn how we can help your student make the most of all college has to offer!
