Transitioning from K-12 to College
Welcome!
Welcome you Student Accessibility Resources and Grand Valley State University! We know that transitioning from high school to college life can be a little overwhelming. We are here to assist you! High school and college accommodation processes differ because they are governed by different laws. In high school, accommodations are an entitlement, while in college they are a civil rights mandate. College students are expected to take greater personal responsibility and advocate for their own needs, which can be challenging for those accustomed to receiving support from others. SAR is here to help you take on these challenges, and access all the GV has to offer.
Preparing for College
IEP/504 to Coverage Under the ADA
When you graduate high school, your IEP/504 plan ends and you will now be covered under the ADA. This means that accommodations may be different in college. Your accessibility advisor will guide you through the college accessibility process and ensure your opportunity to benefit from GVSU is protected.
How to Prepare for College Accessibility
- Gather documentation from your former school or qualified medical provider that can help SAR understand your needs. GVSU requests that the documentation you provide be five years old or newer.
- Examples of documentation:
- Psychological Evaluation completed by a qualified mental health professional. (your high school counselor can help you with this examination)
- Letter from your doctor that is signed, and on the doctor’s letterhead.
- Must include that there is a diagnosis of a disability
- Testing used to diagnose
- Recommendations for accommodations that you will need
- Form templates are available the SAR Documentation webpage.
- Think through how your condition impacts you at home, at school, and out in your community.
- Complete SAR's public request form.
- Schedule a meeting with an Accessibility Advisor through Navigate or by calling us.
Self-Advocacy
- To get accommodations in college, you must make a request.
- You decide who knows about your accommodations and who doesn't.
- In college, your accommodations begin after you discuss them with your professors.
- Your Access Advisor can help you request accommodations, and discuss them with others.
High School vs. College
|
Resources |
High School |
College |
|---|---|---|
|
Identification |
Schools provide and pay for testing for eligibility of services and prescribe accommodations. |
Student self-identifies, advocates for accommodations and seeks out services by registering with Student Accessibility Resources (SAR). Students must provide documentation. |
|
Privacy |
Information is shared with parents/guardians/support team. |
The Family Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) does not allow an institution to share information without student’s approval. |
|
Documentation |
I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan) and/or 504 plan. Documentation focuses on determining whether student is eligible for services based on specific disability categories in I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). |
Documentation requirements vary from institution to institution. Student must contact the schools to determine requirements. SAR's documentation guidelines can be found online. Your Access Advisor can also answer any documentation questions. |
|
Diagnostic Testing |
Schools pay for the process of diagnostic testing. |
Students must pay for their own diagnostic testing. Be cautious of websites that offer disability documentation for a fee. |
|
Eligibility for Services/ Placement and Accommodations |
Parental guidance is expected as parents/guardians/teachers are the primary advocates. |
Only include parents/guardians in decisions regarding eligibility for services if you choose. Decisions regarding placement and accommodations are determined by disability. |
|
Instructor Awareness |
Teachers are aware of your specific difficulties and requests for intervention. |
Students self-advocate by meeting with the accessibility office and discussing approved accommodations with professors, and possibly other university representatives. |
|
Altering Courses and Programs |
Courses/programs modified for specific needs. |
All students, with or without accommodations, must complete essential university requirements. |
|
Test Modifications |
Eliminating questions, unlimited time, extra explanations, ability to take tests in resource room, open book/open note tests, etc. |
Accommodations like extra 50% testing time, testing with less distraction, screen magnification, etc. ensure access to tests without altering the test itself. |
|
Homework Modifications |
Fewer questions to answer, alternate assignments, extra time to turn in homework, etc. |
No modifications to length of assignments. SAR may grant extended time for in-class assignments but, professor has the final say about extended time for homework submissions. |
|
Resource Room |
Resource room and support professionals. |
Referrals are made to individual offices for academic support through the Writing Center, Knowledge Market, Tutoring, Counseling Center, etc. SAR registered students can meet with a Learning Skills Specialist. |
|
Tutors |
Tutoring or outside resources may be set up for you. |
Go to GVSU’s tutoring website to sign up for free tutoring. Tutoring Center Webpage. |
|
Reminders and Deadlines |
Parents/teachers remind for exam dates and assignment deadlines. |
Student must keep track of exam dates and assignment deadlines by referring to course syllabus, Blackboard, etc. SAR Learning Skills Specialists and Student Academic Success Coaches can support independent time management and organization. |
|
Discipline/Missing Class |
Expect to be disciplined for skipping class. |
Professors establish their own attendance policy. SAR can help students navigate disabilities that impact class attendance, without fundamentally altering essential requirements. |
|
Transportation |
Schools provide transportation to and from school. |
Transportation is not an ADA requirement; however, some colleges provide as a courtesy on their campus or access to public transportation. GVSU provides a van service for eligible students (Valley campus only). |
|
Personal Aides |
Personal aides may be provided in the classroom/academic or personal care issues. |
Personal aides are not provided by the university. Students can discuss in-class needs with an accessibility professional to ensure access to educational opportunities. |
|
Alternative Textbooks |
Schools provide free alternative textbooks using a variety of ways, including BookShare. |
Students are required to purchase or rent their books, provide proof of ownership or rental, and then request books in alternative format. Accessibility offices can help students locate accessible alternative versions of required materials. |