How To Be Your Own Self-Advocate
Self-Advocating in the Classroom
It is important to understand each eligible student is responsible for managing their disability in college. They choose when they will take advantage of your accommodations. Students may have classes in which they determine accommodations to be helpful and other classes where they determine that accommodations are not necessary.
Once the student has gone through the process and completed all documentation needed for approval, the Accessibility Services Office will initiate communication with each of the student’s professors regarding their accommodations; the student will be copied on the email correspondence. It is then up to the student to schedule a time to meet with their professor and to “activate” their accommodations with them. Below are some helpful suggestions to get you started:
Best Ways to Speak with Professors
- Catch the professor before or after class to speak with them; or
- find the professor’s office hours on the syllabus and stop by their office during these times to speak with them.
- Send the professor an email and request a chance to meet with them.
Conversation with Professor
- Although, a professor should have already received notification from the Accessibility Services Office regarding a student’s accommodations in the classroom, it is advised for students to take a copy of the email with them when meeting with them.
- You would like to use (whatever accommodation) in their class.
- Ask how they would like to proceed.
Opening the dialogue with your professor does not mean you need to share your disability details. It merely helps create open communication lines regarding how they can assist you best in their class.
Activation of Accommodation(s)
- Activating accommodations can occur at any time.
- Speak with the professor right away if there is need for the accommodation(s) in their class. (It’s always a good idea to activate/utilize an accommodation at the beginning in each class so they are set in place if there is a need in order to be successful.)
Sample Email Templates to Professors
I am sorry that I have not been able to turn in the last two assignments. Recently, I have been struggling to focus on my work. I have been overwhelmed by my classes and other things that are going on. I am currently working with the Student Access & Support Specialist in the Accessibility Services Office to help me better manage my time and balance the work I have.
I would also greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with you to create a plan for how I can make up these assignments.
Thank you,
Student
I am sorry that I have missed the last couple of classes. Recently, I have been
struggling and overwhelmed and unable to get to class. I am currently working with Student Access & Support Specialist in the Accessibility Services Office to get some support around these concerns and have also connected with Counseling Services.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with you to create a plan for how I can make up the work I missed for theses classes.
Thank you,
Student
I wanted to reach out about _____ assignment that we have coming up. I’ve been reading over the instructions on the syllabus, but I still don’t
understand how I’m supposed to approach this assignment or organize my
thoughts. I’m feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed and was wondering if we could find a time to talk this through more so I could get on track.
This is what I currently understand: ______________________
Here are some specific questions I have about this assignment: ___________
Thank you,
Student
I wanted to reach out about the quiz/test that we have coming up. I’ve been
looking over my notes and the study guide, but I still don’t
understand how I’m supposed to approach studying for this quiz/test. I’m feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed. I’ve scheduled a time to connect with a tutor and talked to Academic Support about some study strategies but am not sure if this will be enough.
Would it be possible for us to find a time to talk this through more so I could get on track? I’m really concerned about the following topics ______ and am not sure how to organize myself to study effectively.
Thank you,
Student
My name is ______ and I am in your _______ class. I am writing to follow up with you about my accommodation letter and discuss the accommodations outlined. I would like to be proactive about the expectations for utilizing my deadlines and attendance accommodations in your course.
If and when I need a deadline extension for disability related reasons, I will try to contact you (before/after) the due date to initiate the
request. (I will include a reasonable due date to submit the work OR I will request a new deadline from you.) While I can’t always predict
when my disability will impact me, I will be as timely as possible with contacting you when I need an extension. If there are any
assignments that would not be reasonable for an extension, please let me know in advance.
Similarly, if and when I need to miss class for a disability related reason, I will try to contact you (before/after) class to let you know. In the event I miss class, is there a procedure you would like me to adhere to in order to catch up on missed material? (Student could also insert their plan to make up the class here like “I will attend office hours or I will get notes from a classmate.”)
Thank you in advance for your help and support. I have copied the Student Access & Support Specialist, on this message should you have any questions or concerns about my accommodations.
Sincerely,
Student
We’re here to help!
Accommodations are here to support a student’s success at Monmouth. There is no shame in utilizing the support services available.
Self-advocacy helps the student become a more diligent, focused and successful student, so we want that for them; however, students never have to face accommodation issues or concerns alone. This includes running into any problems accessing accommodations with a professor. The Student Access & Support Specialist is available to meet with the student to answer questions or address concerns they may have.