Disability Support Services At Shepherd University

FAQ:

What do I do if I have a disability and need an accommodation?

The process is very simple and begins with you completing an Accommodation Request Form -which can be downloaded, printed and submitted to the Disability Coordinator along with the appropriate documentation outlined below. The Disability Coordinator, who is responsible for communicating your needs to the appropriate service provider such as a professor, the Residence Life or the administration, will then contact you to discuss your specific needs..

What type of documentation do I need to receive an accommodation for a physical disability?
If you are seeking accommodations because of a physical disability, you will need  a letter from a licensed health professional, including any additional supporting information, which verifies:

  • The nature of the disability
  • The functional limitations the disability imposes
  • The need for a specific accommodation.

What type of documentation do I need to receive an accommodation for a learning, psychological, or processing related disability?
If you are seeking classroom accommodations because of a learning, processing or cognition related disability; you will need to submit one or more of the following:

  • A high school Individual Education Plan (IEP)
  • A 504 Plan
  • A psychoeducational evaluation. 

These documents must be less than five years old and must verify the following:

  • The nature of the disability
  • The functional limitations the disability imposes
  • The need for a specific accommodation.

All documentation can be sent by US mail and remains confidential at all times.

What do I do if I need a campus housing accommodation because of my disability?
Housing accommodations may include:

  • A first floor room
  • An air conditioned room
  • Placement on a specific side of campus
    • Housing accommodations require the same documentation as listed above. Please keep in mind that your Housing Application must be submitted to the Residence Life and your documentation must be submitted to the Disability Coordinator. Housing assignments and disability accommodations cannot be guaranteed for applications and documentation submitted after the application due date. Application due dates can be found at: http://www.shepherd.edu/rloweb

How are accommodation decisions made?
All accommodations are decided on a case-by-case basis.  The University has an obligation to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have access to all campus programs, services, and functions.  However, if the University can provide an accommodation that is equally as effective as the one requested by the student, but is less expensive or extensive, the University is not required to provide the more expensive or extensive accommodation.

What type of classroom accommodations does Shepherd University offer?
Classroom accommodations at Shepherd University may include:

  • Extended test taking time
  • Permission to use a spell checker in class
  • Permission to tape record lectures
  • Use of calculators in class
  • Isolation during testing
  • Note-taking assistance
  • Any accommodation that a specific disability requires that is supported by a licensed health professional and deemed a reasonable accommodation by Shepherd University

What kind of academic resources are available?
The Disability Coordinator works very closely with the Shepherd University Study Center located in Knutti Hall Room 114.  The Study Center offers free peer tutoring in most subject areas.  Setting up a tutoring session is as simple as visiting the Study Center, filling out a form, placing your name on the tutor’s appointment schedule, and then showing up at the time of the appointment. Visit their web site at: http://www.shepherd.edu/ascweb/.

All academic support and tutoring questions should be directed to Professor Joe Green, Director of Academic Support Services and Advisement at 304-876-5221 or by email at jgreen@shepherd.edu. 

What type of assistive technology do you provide?
The Disability Coordinator’s Office provides the following items free of charge for students to check-out as needed:

  • 4-Track cassette players for special books on tape
  • Cassette recorders for recording class lectures
  • Franklin spell checking machine
  • Carbon paper and pads for note takers
    • Simply visit Student Center Suite 216 to check-out the above items.A valid student identification card is required.

Who can I contact with questions?

Christana Johnson
Director of Multicultural Student Affairs and Disability Support Services
Student Center Suite 216

Shepherd University
PO Box 5000 Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Phone: 1-800-344-5231 – x5453 or 304-876-5453 TTY/TDD: 304-876-9923

Email: cjohns12@shepherd.edu