Shepherd University

Disability Support Services At Shepherd University

office (304) 876-5689
fax (304) 876-5033

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I do if I have a disability and need an accommodation?
A: The process is very simple and begins with you completing an Accommodation Request Form -which can be downloaded, printed and submitted to the Director of Disability Support Services along with the appropriate documentation outlined below. The Director of Disability Support Services, who is responsible for communicating your needs to the appropriate service provider.

Q: What type of documentation do I need to receive an accommodation for a physical disability?
A: 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.

Q: What type of documentation do I need to receive an accommodation for a learning, psychological, or processing related disability?
A: 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.

Q: 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
  • Others as medically required

A: 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 Director of Disability Support Services, Dr. Dorothy Hively. 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

Q: How are accommodation decisions made?
A: 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.

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

  • Extended test taking time
  • Permission to tape record lectures
  • Use of audio books
  • Use of calculators in class
  • Isolation from peers during testing
  • Note-taking assistance
  • Preferential seating

Q: What kind of academic resources are available?
A: The Director of Disability Support Services consults with faculty member to develop instructional strategies for academic success. Also the Director works closely with the Academic Support Center (Library Room 103), and with the TRiO Student Support Services program (Library Room 154). The Academic Center offers free peer tutoring in a variety of subject areas. Signing up a tutoring session is as simple as visiting their web site at: http://www.shepherd.edu/ascweb/ and clicking on "schedule an appointment with a tutor." Once you have completed a registration profile you will be able to schedule tutoring appointments. All academic support and tutoring questions should be directed to Emily Gross, Director of Academic Support Services at 304-876-5221 or by email at egross@shepherd.edu. Student Support Services (SSS) is a federal TRiO program that offers services to help student participants succeed in college. The services include free tutoring, academic advising, cultural and educational activities, workshops, and career counseling. Eligible SSS students include first-generation college students (neither parent holds a four-year degree), income-eligible students (determined by federal guidelines), and students with a documented disability. Please visit their website http://www.shepherd.edu/trioweb/index.html or contact the director Cynthia Copney at ccopney@shepherd.edu.

Q: What type of assistive technology do you provide?
A: The Director of Disability Support Services' Office provides the following items free of charge to  students registered with Disability Support Services to check-out as needed:

  • Audio books
  • Digital & Cassette recorders for recording class lectures

Please visit Student Affairs Administrative Suite room 124 to check-out the above items. A valid student identification card is required.

 

Who can I contact with questions?

Disability Support Services

Student Affairs Administrative Suite
Student Center Room 124 Shepherd University
PO Box 5000 Shepherdstown, WV 25443

 Phone: 1-800-344-5231 – x5689 or 304-876-5689

Email: dhively@shepherd.edu