The Welcome Meeting is a time for students and the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) to connect and begin to build a partnership. The purpose of this meeting is to determine what accommodations and/or supports will provide the most equitable access to learning.
What to Expect
- Plan for a 1-hour meeting via Zoom web meeting, phone call, or in person (limited availability).
- Share your story and experience. We can best support students when we know how learning has been and can listen to examples related to need for accommodations.
- Lots of information. When determining accommodations there will be details about processes to use accommodations, how the office operates, and suggestions/tips for learning.
How to Prepare
- Think about what you need in the classes you are enrolled in.
- Communicate needed accommodations or considerations for the meeting with OSD.
- We will likely have questions that help us determine what the best options are for your accommodations. It is good to know we will ask things like:
- How and why are we getting connected?
- What is your condition, how does it impact you at school?
- What accommodations are you requesting?
- What are the barriers you are currently experiencing or have in the past?
Common Questions about the Welcome Meeting
Can I bring someone with to my meeting?
- Yes, if you would like to have a support person join, they are welcome.
Do I have to complete the Welcome Meeting to receive accommodations?
- This meeting is needed to formally put accommodations in place.
I have done a meeting like this at another college, do I have to meet with OSD too?
- While accommodations can be similar at other institutions, we are committed to making the best determination of accommodations for students tailored to ARCC courses.
Do I have to share my full medical history with OSD to receive accommodations?
- There may be details in one’s medical history that is not relevant to the conversation or request; students determine how much they choose to share, and OSD will make the best determination regarding access with information provided.
What if I cannot make the meeting time scheduled?
- You can cancel your meeting and rescheduling on the online booking site.