Rachel Leone
Once again, the RCPD ushered in the new school year by welcoming the new freshman to campus and the office as part of the Welcome Orientation Workshop. RCPD staff introduced themselves and offered short sessions on how to successfully make the transition to Michigan State and how to best utilize the accommodations available.
The program got under way with John Pedraza, Psychiatric Disabilities Specialist and Disability Resource Coordinator for Employees, leading a student panel discussion. Seven current RCPD students were on hand to answer questions for students and to offer words of wisdom. Here are just a few tidbits that the panelists provided the new students with:
- What do you wish you had known prior to coming to MSU?
- That RCPD was there and what they can offer
- How to effectively use a planner and how to successfully multi-task
- There is free student tutoring in many of the residence halls, such as McDonel and Brody
- What the benefits are of the VISA document (Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations)
- What tips do you have to access accommodations?
- Make an appointment with your professors at the beginning of the semester and continue to correspond with them throughout the semester via email
- Make sure to introduce yourself to your professors and attend office hours
- It's very easy to get your testing accommodations set up if you work closely with your professors
- What pleasant surprises have you encountered at MSU?
- RCPD is like a family
- Other students are very willing to help if you just ask
- The benefits of getting involved in organizations like the Council for Students with Disabilities
After the student panel wrapped up, students attended the break out sessions where specialists presented on several different topics. This year's topics were: Audio/Electronic Books, Learning Strategies/Note taking Assistance, Alternative Testing, and Assistive Computer Technology & Software.
The specialists would like to offer some reminders from the event to keep in mind during the year.
- Always check with your professor to see if you can take the exams in or near the classroom
- If your professor cannot accommodate you, sign up for testing at RCPD (reservation of a room, request for a reader/scribe, reservation of equipment, or production of a test in alternative format) at least 7 days prior to needing the service, equipment, or space. Also, keep in mind that final exam accommodations should be made at least 14 days prior. (Days are counted by Monday-Friday. Therefore an exam on Tuesday would need to be requested two Fridays prior to the day of exam.)
- Complete the student section of the "Alternative Testing Site Authorization" form and give it to your professor at least 4 days before the exam.
- Remind your professor to complete the "Alternative Testing Site" form and drop it off with the exam at RCPD between 8am-4:30pm
- Please be on time for exams. Time starts when scheduled whether you are there yet or not.
- A reminder about books: It takes time to produce material in alternative formats. Please allow 4-6 weeks for complete production of books. Braille books or more complicated material may take even longer. The sooner the materials are given to RCPD, the sooner the material can be produced and available for you!
- Continually check with Pam Pope or in your RCPD mailbox (if the book is audio-tape, large print, Braille, or from a publishing company), since you will receive the book in installments throughout the semester.
- If the book is electronic, you can go directly to the STAR page (http://books.rcpd.msu.edu) and download the materials once they have been up-loaded. There will be a link with the book name, chapters, page numbers, and "rough draft" or "final copy".
- George Morrison, RCPD's Career Services Consultant is available to help with full time job and internship searches. He is available to:
- Perform practice interviews with students
- Critique resumes and assist with creating them
- Help students explore career paths
- Assist students in finding internships and jobs
- Provide students with information or referrals about careers or fields they may be considering
For more information you can visit his website (http://www.csp.msu.edu/cdc/qg/PDWEb.htm) or use the specialist contact form .
Helpful time management and study tips:
- Use a planner
- Budget your time
- Develop a schedule and organize and prioritize
- Allow review time for a test at least 2-3 days prior
- Attend class, be an active participant, and take notes
- Notes taken in outline form are particularly helpful. Note taking assistance may be available depending on individual needs. Talk to your specialist about alternative strategies.
- Review exams when they are returned. Take note of what you could have done better to prepare and keep it in mind for the next exam or the final.
- Be aware of your final exam schedule and the exam locations from the beginning of the semester. If you have 3 or more exams on the same day then you have the right to contact your instructors about alternative times.
If you have any questions please contact your specialist or set up an appointment. Have a great school year and we look forward to another great Welcome Orientation Workshop next fall.