Saint Michael's College is devoted to ensuring equal educational opportunities and a responsive campus environment for students with disabilities. Support is provided through the Office for Students with Special Needs, located in the Klein Academic Enrichment Commons. Here, the Liaison for Students with Special Needs seeks to promote self-awareness for students with disabilities by educating them about their rights so that they can independently advocate and make choices to meet or exceed the academic standards expected of them.
In higher education, students are considered adults, responsible for their own actions and decisions. The Office for Students with Special Needs is here to guide and accommodate students with resources for special needs, but is not responsible for providing resources without a request. Students are invited and encouraged to seek access to the services provided.
The Liaison for Students with Special Needs works closely with students who have difficulties in areas of information processing that interfere with learning. We help coordinate campus-wide services and resources to ensure that students have an equal chance at an education. We are committed to providing high-quality, individualized services by working closely with all resources on campus and promoting self-advocacy.
For Students who Wish to Disclose a Disability
Students wishing to disclose a learning disability or a physical disability that affects learning and who are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sec. 504, may receive additional support. A clear understanding of a student's strengths and weaknesses in learning and the influence of the disability on current and past educational processes will afford a broader assessment of capabilities, challenges and consonant needs.
Even with a signed release form, no one except the student can provide the actual details of a learning disability. Students are urged to arrange meetings with their professors to discuss the nature of their disabilities to enhance the possibility for academic success.
To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations, students must provide:
The testing must:
The Liaison for Students with Special Needs in conjunction with the Associate Dean reserve the right to evaluate and request additional information. The earlier the information is received, the better prepared the College will be to address specific needs.
Mail material to:
Liaison for Students with Special Needs
Saint Michael's College
One Winooski Park, Box 389
Colchester, Vermont 05439
Fax material to:
802.654.2803
Once documentation is mailed, students may arrange for an hour meeting with the Liaison for Students with Special Needs. Together, the student and Liaison will review documented material. If a student chooses to self-identify to his or her professors, the Liaison will work with the student to compose a letter to professors outlining course accommodations and/or exam modifications as they appear in the student's documentation. Please note that course accommodations, exam modifications, and pass/fail option in modern language are not available without this letter sent to professors.
Services Provided:
Additional Services Offered on Campus:
Some Things to Keep in Mind
If you are eligible for extra time on quizzes and exams, you must have your letter of accommodation sent to your professors. Furthermore, at least 24 hours before the exam, both inform your professors and sign up for a seat in the testing room, Klein Hall 110.
If you are seeking tutorial services, contact the Tutoring Coordinator, Klein Hall 116.
If you are not sure that you want accommodations, have the letters sent anyway. This way, you are covered in the event that you may want or need support.
When you anticipate fulfilling your modern language requirement, meet with the Liaison for Students with Special Needs to review your options. With a language based learning disability, you may be eligible for a modified section of Spanish. You may also be eligible to take your modern language courses on a pass/fail basis. This decision must be made within the first two weeks of the semester.
If you are entirely certain that you do not want services, complete the necessary paperwork with an administrative assistant, Klein Hall 119.
Although it is not required, it is highly recommended that in tandem with the letters sent, you meet with all of your professors early in the semester. After all, you are the expert in spelling out the details of your unique learning style. By being as specific as you can be about your needs, there is a greater likelihood that your professors will be tuned into those needs.
Reminders for sophomores, juniors and seniors
If you would like the same letter from last semester sent out to your new professors, just complete the forms available and return them to the administrative assistant in Klein Hall 119.
If you have some concerns about your last academic term, for example, if you didn't do as well as you anticipated or if you feel the need for different services, make an appointment with the Liaison for a review.
For questions or more information, contact:
Toni Messuri
Liaison for Students with Special Needs
One Winooski Park, Box 389
Colchester, Vermont 05439
802.654.2818
amessuri@smcvt.edu