Sarah Smoger

Elizabeth, I agree. I think that we are seeing more and more traditional colleges and universities (not just proprietary institutions) that don't realistically set expectations for student both during their coursework or as they prepare for post-graduate employment. Sarah Smoger

Noreen , I'm so glad to hear that your institution has a process for this. It will serve both the institution and the student well. Sarah Smoger

Crystal, Interesting. I do think this probably happens from time to time, I think we'd be ignorant to think otherwise. However, I don't think there is any way to distinguish between those who are simply ill prepared and those who have a legitimate need. Obviously, if the student has provided appropriate documentation from an appropriate professional and has had testing done which indicates explicit functional limitations, the accommodation is most-likely warranted. Sarah Smoger

Jarrell, Agreed! Student confidentiality as it pertains to their disability is important and should be protected. Sarah Smoger

Tawnyn, Great post and perspective. Sometimes the documentation that we read about a student can lead to false pretenses about a student's ability! Sarah Smoger

Amanda, Be careful! Students with disabilities who have an accommodation of extended time must be provided the time. I highly suggest you seek out the advisement of your campus/institution ADA officer. Many institutions have not done this, and have been reprimanded by The Office of Civil Rights/Department of Ed-which consequences that vary from mediation/resolution agreements to loosing their ability to provide Federal Financial Aid to their students. Sarah Smoger

Rocco, Ouch! Harsh words. So are you saying that a student with a reading disorder or a student with a disorder in written expression (not an intelligence issue) would not benefit from additional time to read, comprehend and process information? Sarah Smoger

Chelsea, Exactly, it may take a student more time to read, comprehend and process written information than others. In these cases, additional time can make all the difference between success and failure. Sarah Smoger

Greg, I agree. Our job is to provide the student with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about enrollment. If we've done our job and the student meets all of the admissions criteria, the rest is left up to the student. Sarah Smoger

Otis, Of course, I agree. We need to make sure that we have all the information from the student about their limitations and need for accommodations while at the same time, providing the student with all the information they need to make an informed decision about enrollment. Sarah Smoger