Danny Bittker
With the school year starting, students were preparing for the oncoming rush of studying, exams, books and quizzes. But in the halls of the RCPD, the staff was buzzing about the upcoming Welcome Orientation Workshop that took place on August 21st, 2008 on the third floor of Bessey Hall.
The two hour annual event was mainly for incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as returning Michigan State students who have only recently discovered the RCPD and its staff. The workshop informed students of a wide variety of topics; including how to obtain accommodations for classes, how to utilize university resources, and how to develop self advocacy skills.
(Students listen intently to presentations about the services available at RCPD.)
The event began with a resource fair, where thirteen community resources, ranging from rehabilitation and transportation to career services and study abroad, demonstrated expertise in helping students with disabilities on campus. Students then had the opportunity to hear about the RCPD, its history, its goals and how it promotes self-advocacy and ability, from the director of the RCPD Michael Hudson. A vibrant panel of distinguished faculty explored successful strategies for communicating and excelling in the classroom. Professors encouraged students to approach their instructors within the first few days of class to establish a relationship and to let the instructors know of accommodation needs.
(Professors provide advice to students about how to best succeed in collegiate courses.)
Students then had the opportunity to hear from two different breakout sessions. Stephen Blosser, Tom Hwang, and Al Puzzoli described the Assistive Technologies available through the RCPD. While Pam Pope and Virginia Rutan explained Alternative Testing. After their breakout sessions, students then were able to hear from fellow students about their own careers at MSU and how they have been able to succeed with their disabilities on campus. The afternoon ended on a high note with the delivery of pizza for the participants to enjoy and a chance to talk to the staff and returning students of the RCPD.