Mathew Gilbert

When reading most of the information, it was a bit overwhelming due to the face I have never dealt with someone who is disabled before. But I was reassured I would be just fine when dealing with someone with a disability from this quote,' "there is no technique beyond the attitude." '

" As an Admissions representative, make sure your advice to students with disabilities is based on the evidence before you rather than your assumptions about the student" It is best to not assume, or put limitations, on any students. These limitations and stereotypes are more difficult to overcome than issues their disability poses for them.

"dyslexia – difficulty in reading (could be problems in decoding or comprehension or both) dyscalculia – difficulty with math (could be problems with calculations, or concepts, or both) dysgraphia – difficulty is writing (sometimes it is only a problem in writing by hand; for some students, it includes motor sequencing for typing, as well)" So when is a learning disability or due to past poor education?

Having had service dogs, and breeding them for the "seeing eye dog" program, I liked this small portion of the segment. These dogs help the blind, disabled, and sick in so many ways.

I agree that classmate bonding, food, games, employer presentations, are not only things that should be implemented into the first week, but also into the weeks to come. With this generation "fun" is added into the value part of the equation. Students now want to be entertained on some level at some point during their education. It is best used a stress reviler and "prize" for hard work.

"Faculty play an extremely important role in retention and students are typically very intimated by them, especially early in their classroom experience. Having faculty communicate things that make them 'real' and affirm to students that they are people as well as professionals, will significantly help retention efforts." I related to this insight. There is a fine line between faculty, mentor, and friend. Being a mentor puts you in the position between the two, but makes the students relate to you and come to you with any needs or concerns.

I think the idea "where students, either as individuals or in groups, travel from department to department to gather the important information," is great. It helps break down the walls of fear by helping students get to know the school, departments, and faculty before the first day of school.

Being a recent graduate I can say this was one of my fears on the first day of school. The way to diffuse this is by group activities, both social and academic related.