Questions & Answers

Q. Does UMC have a program to assist students with learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder?

A.We don't have special programs, but,as noted previously, we do provide support services and academic accommodations for students with disabilities.

Q. How do students qualify for services?

A. Services are available to students with recently (within three years of enrollment) documented disabilities. Documentation of disabilities must be provided by appropriate specialists.   Documentation needs to be placed on file in the Office for Students with Disabilities. Students need to request and arrange for accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities.

Q. How is documentation used?

A.UMC staff utilize information from the student's case management team, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) counselor or other specialists to assist with academic planning and to document the need for accommodations.  Evaluations/assessments are generally provided by the student prior to or at the time of registration, although an initial contact may be made at any time. Documentation is only released with consent of the student.

Q. How do faculty members support the efforts of the program?

A. Faculty have been supportive in many ways including adapted testing procedures, taping of lectures, and extended time opportunities.  Faculty require students to regularly attend class and to demonstrate diligence and responsibility in their pursuit of the material being presented.  Unexcused absence from class can result in the suspension of certain services such as note taking and tutoring.

Q. Does your program provide help in reading, writing, spelling and mathematics?

A.The following courses are available to assist students in a variety of areas and may be required for some students based on CPT testing:

• Seminar for New Students
• Composition Lab
• Basic Math
• Algebra

These courses are also open to any UMC student who might benefit from additional course work in the subject area, but only those courses with a "1000" level or higher prefix apply towards graduation.

Q. Does UMC provide tutors to assist students in mastering the content of their college courses?

A.Yes, UMC provides paid peer-tutors to work with eligible students. and also recruits volunteers.  Approval to receive tutoring is granted by the course instructor. Students must be attending class regularly to be eligible. Some instructors also arrange for group study sessions to supplement the classroom experience, or utilize supplemental instruction opportunities.  Occasionally, requests for tutors may go unfilled due to availability or scheduling conflicts.

Q. Are taped textbooks available?

A.UMC has a limited group of resource persons who will provide taped textbooks until the student becomes eligible for Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) textbook services. 
NOTE: Students requesting taped texts must do so one month ahead of the time when the text will be required to ensure availability.  Students using RFB&D services will be asked to complete their own ordering of texts.

Q. Are provisions made for note takers or for taking class notes using tape recorders?

A. Note takers are identified by the student or faculty to assist with note taking. Student note takers may be eligible to receive a cash stipend for their effort. The Office for Students with Disabilities will xerox notes at no cost and many faculty now post course notes to their web sites. Students with documented disabilities may also request permission to tape classroom lectures. Several recorders are available for check-out from the Owen 270.  Students must purchase their own tapes and batteries.

Q. Can arrangements be made to take course exams in alternative ways?

A. Generally, yes. Students with documentation of their disability may request testing adaptations such as extended time, an exam reader or a scribe. Testing accommodation requests must be approved in advance by the coordinator for Disability Services.

Q. Is individual or group counseling available?

A. Yes. A variety of individual and group counseling opportunities exist that address personal, social, career and academic issues. counseling may be scheduled through the UMC Counseling Center or Student Support Services office. Students are encouraged to contact any of these offices to seek counseling services.