Resources and Support

Susquehanna University’s Office of Disability Services provides support and guidance to students with disabilities and their families as they navigate their college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

High School vs. College

The transition from high school to college can be a very difficult process for students with disabilities.  Students with disabilities who received accommodations in high school should be aware that colleges/universities do not necessarily provide the same accommodations set forth in an IEP or 504 Plan.  The following are some differences families may experience.

In High School: Services are delivered to the student.
In College: The student must seek out services.

In High School: The learning support personnel and/or parent(s) act as student’s advocate.
In College: The student acts as his/her own advocate.

In High School: There is regular contact and meetings with parents.
In College: There is no parent contact without the student’s permission.

In High School: Teachers automatically informed of the diagnoses of students with IEPs.
In College: Eligible students are given a letter outlying only the accommodations granted. It is up to students whether they give that letter to professors, and what they tell professors about their disability and specific challenges.

In High School: The student’s time is usually structured by others.
In College: The student manages his/her own time, with a great deal of independent time.

In High School: Homework may involve 1-2 hours per day.
In College: Expect 2+ hours of studying for each hour of class (totaling about 25-30 study hours per week).

In High School: Teachers often check completed homework.
In College: Professors may not always check homework, but they will assume that the student can perform the same tasks on an exam.

In High School: Teachers often remind students of late or incomplete work and accept it.
In College: Professors may not remind students of incomplete assignments or accept any late work.

In High School: Classes are usually under 1 hour, and students are often given handouts.
In College: Classes often last longer than an hour and professors expect students to take notes on what is presented visually as well as what is said.

In High School: Students can often wait to review notes and handouts until the day before a test.
In College: Students should review class notes daily, as there may only be 2-3 total exams all semester.

In High School: Teachers approach students if they believe they need assistance.
In College: Professors are usually open and helpful, but often expect the student to initiate contact for assistance.

In High School: Teachers often take time to remind students of due dates.
In College: Professors expect students to form study groups and create their own study guides.

In High School: Tests are often frequent and cover small amounts of material.
In College: Testing may be infrequent and cover large amounts of material. Some courses may have 2 or 3 tests per semester.

In High School: Teachers are trained in pedagogy (how to effectively teach diverse learners).
In College: Professors have received degrees in their field (but have often not been trained in pedagogy).

In High School: Minimal advising necessary.
In College: Advising plays a key role in class selection.

In High School: Mastery is usually seen as the ability to reproduce what was taught in the way it was presented.
In College: Mastery is often seen as the ability to apply what you have learned to new circumstances with differing variables.

In High School: Limited number of required classes. Courses can be waived fairly easily.
In College: Obligation to take an array of distribution requirement classes. Classes meeting graduation requirements cannot be waived.


Campus Resources and Support

Center for Academic Success

Offering individualized assistance in study skills, time management and tutoring in specific subjects.

Counseling Center

Provides counseling and emergency services to students experiencing emotional, behavioral and relationship difficulties.

Student Health Center

Taking care of your health and wellness through a partnership with Geisinger Health Systems.

First-Year Experience

The adjustment to college life can be tough. We help smooth the bumps with tips for you and your family.

Campus Safety

Call 570-372-4444 for emergencies.

Contact Us

Disability Services

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Get Directions

Location

Fisher Hall, Second Floor

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Phone: 570-372-4412
disabilityservices@susqu.edu