What should I know when applying to Midwestern State University? Are there any special procedures?
Students with disabilities must apply to MSU through the regular admissions procedures; disability will not be considered. A student may, however, apply for provision of accommodations when taking standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and TSI.
What should I do if I have a disability and want to receive accommodations?
If you suspect you have a disability that is impacting your academic performance, you will need to provide documentation of that disability along with a completed application to Disability Support Services after your acceptance to the university. The documentation must be supplied by a qualified professional who is licensed or certified to diagnose the disability in question. After these items have been reviewed, you will be contacted with the next steps by a DSS staff member.
I received accommodations in high school or I had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Can I use the IEP as documentation?
The IEP can be a valuable resource; however, it does not always include all the details needed for determining accommodations. You are welcome to submit your IEP for review, and you will be notified if additional or updated documentation is required. You may also view the Documentation Guidelines on the DSS webpage.
I received special education (IDEA) or 504 services in high school. How are these services different in college?
Colleges are required to provide any reasonable accommodation that may be necessary for equal access to education. They are not required to design special programs for students with disabilities or Individualized Educational Plans (IEP’s).
If I am a student with a disability, will Disability Support Services seek me out to provide services like my counselors did in high school?
In college, students with disabilities are covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). IDEA no longer applies at the postsecondary level, and because of this, the legal obligations shift. There is no special education in college. Under IDEA, K-12 schools are responsible for identifying students with disabilities and providing services. Colleges, however, are not required to seek out students with disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request services through Disability Support Services.
What role do my parents/guardian play in the process?
Students who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. In this case, the student is responsible for their own accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have an open dialogue with their parents. Parents can be a wonderful source of support.
I suspect I have a learning disability. Can Disability Support Services conduct the assessment to provide a diagnosis?
Colleges are not required to conduct or provide testing. The student is responsible for providing documentation, and any additional testing, if necessary. However, we do provide referral information.