Learning Services - Frequently Asked Questions

A: The mission of the Office of Learning Services is to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal educational opportunity with other students. The Office of Learning Services provides advisement, advocacy, and academic support to students who identify themselves as having a disability and to students who are experiencing academic difficulties.

The office has two professional staff members: the Director of Learning Services and the Assistant Director of Learning Services.

Our philosophy is one that promotes self-awareness, self-determination, and self-advocacy for our students with disabilities. The Office of Learning Services is also committed to promoting access and awareness as a resource to all members of the Utica College community.

A: The Office of Learning Services is located in Hubbard Hall, Room 109. Office hours are from 8:30 – 5:00 during the academic calendar year.

Judy C. Borner is the Director of Learning Services.

To contact the Office of Learning Services:

• Telephone: 315-792-3032
  
• E-mail: Judy C. Borner at jcborner@utica.edu
   
• Fax: 315-223-2504
  
• Regular Mail:
  
  Utica College Office of Learning Services
  109 Hubbard Hall
  1600 Burrstone Road
  Utica, N.Y. 13502
   

A: Students do not have to disclose a disability during the admissions process. Utica College does not have an alternate admissions process for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are admitted under the same highly selective criteria as other students -- admissions requirements are not waived or altered based upon a disabling condition. If you have questions about the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Office.

Once admitted, students with disabilities are strongly advised to contact the Director of Learning Services as soon as they decide to attend Utica College so that they can submit required documentation in a timely fashion if they plan to request accommodations. This contact will also allow the Director to answer any questions that the student might have.

A: To initiate recognition and consideration as a student with a disability, students should:

• Refer themselves, by personal contact, to the Director of Learning Services
   
• Self-disclose their disability
   
• Submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility
   
• Request accommodations
   
• Follow Utica College procedures as described in the Learning Services Student Handbook

Protection under these civil rights statutes is determined on a case-by-case basis and is based upon documentation of a disability that currently substantially limits some major life activity. Documentation guidelines should be requested from the Office of Learning Services.

A: Utica College is in compliance with Federal and State laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with documented disabilities. Accommodation decisions are made on a case-by-case, course-by-course basis. The following are examples of services and accommodations currently being provided to students, not a guarantee of services and accommodations.

Services:

• priority registration
• learning and study strategy development
• referrals for diagnostic evaluation
• time management strategies

Accommodations:

• use of a tape recorder
• time extensions for tests
• note-takers
• separate location for tests
• alternative formats for textbooks

The Director of Learning Services will make the determination of whether appropriate and reasonable accommodations are warranted and can be provided to the student. An accommodation letter is generated for each student stating what accommodations are appropriate in each individual case. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with his or her instructors to discuss the disability and the accommodations.