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Learning Center
Students with special learning needs are entering colleges at an increasing rate. It is essential that colleges address the needs of all students within the college community. The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights requires that every college receiving federal funds make reasonable adjustments to assure that no student is excluded from any program because of handicapping conditions.
No two students are alike. Therefore, not everyone needs the same accommodations. There are several services that are of great value to students and are available to qualified students at Hastings College. Effective use of accommodations may mean the difference between success and failure.
| The Learning Needs Program |
Students with special learning needs are entering colleges at an increasing rate. It is essential that colleges address the needs of all students within the college community. The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights requires that every college receiving federal funds make reasonable adjustments to assure that no student is excluded from any program because of handicapping conditions.
- The Learning Center at Hastings College provides a wide range of services for students who qualify under this act. Student with special learning needs are accepted for admission at Hastings College based on the same criteria and process as other students.
- The learning needs program at Hastings College can best be described as an accommodation program. The goal for all students is to become their own advocates, to successfully perform assigned tasks, and to earn the degree of their choice.
- For students with learning needs, the process begins in the Learning Center. The student should make an appointment as early as possible with the Learning Center director. Parents are encouraged to participate. The student may or may not be part of a structured support system.
- Appropriate verification of special needs must be provided for some accommodations while others are available to all students. Testing services are not provided at Hastings College, therefore they must be provided by the students.
- The student is responsible for notifying the College that he or she will require accommodations. They must have recent testing data, including verification of learning disabilities, and their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) sent to the College before attending.
- The student will be best served if they are "up front" about learning needs. Hoping learning needs will simply go away or that no one will notice does not help the student or the teachers; it will only give everyone a late start.
- Based upon the information provided and a conference with the student, a letter of introduction is written to professors. The student is encouraged to help compose the letter and periodically review it to make appropriate changes. To the greatest extent possible, information regarding disabilities will be kept confidential. It is important, however, that professors have information to help the student be successful.
- Professors will expect the student to take the initiative in seeking assistance and accommodations. Thus, students will need to make every attempt to understand their own needs and be able to discuss them with professors.
| Accommodations |
No two students are alike. Therefore, not everyone needs the same accommodations. There are several services that are of great value to students and are available to qualified students at Hastings College. Effective use of accommodations may mean the difference between success and failure.
- Extended Time on Exams - This is by the far the most commonly requested accommodation at Hastings College. Students may read at a slower rate or need more time to process and organize information than the time allotted.
- Quiet Testing Environment - Students may have difficulty concentrating if they are easily distracted by background noise or motion. For these students, taking examinations in a quiet location, free from distractions, will give them a chance to do their best.
- Tutors - Tutors are available to all students. Special attention is provided for those with learning needs. Assistance with writing and editing papers is available.
- Note takers and Tape Recorders - Arrangements can be made for students to have access to lecture notes to supplement their own. Tape recorders can be used to record lectures for later use by students.
- Word Processors and Electronic Spellers - The physical act of writing is difficult for some students. In other cases, handwriting may be difficult to decipher. Other students are more successful at recording their thoughts if their words can be reproduced mechanically. Students are encouraged to use word processors so that their product can be checked for grammar and spelling. Essay exams can also be taken using the word processor.
- Readers - Students can be provided with readers for exams, short stories, assignments, and supplementary materials. Students requiring extensive amounts of audio materials should make arrangements to receive such tapes and appropriate equipment. Personnel in the Learning Center will help order these materials, but are unable to read entire textbooks for students.
- Waivers - With appropriate accommodations students with special needs can be successful at most tasks. For students who qualify, foreign language requirements can be waived. Specific verification regarding this requirement is necessary. Procedures for this waiver must be made through the Learning Center Director.
- Academic Advising - Students with special needs should be advised by the Learning Center Director for two years of college. Students will then transfer to an academic advisor in their major field of study but continue to be served as needed by the Center and its Director.
