Incoming Student Tips & FAQ

Incoming Student Tips

Develop your “own voice”:

Federal law prohibits the college faculty/staff from releasing educational information to anyone without your consent, even your parents. Thus, you will need to voice your own needs, ideas, and concerns as a college student.

Learn about your disability and support needs:

Become knowledgeable about your disability, its impact on learning, and your strengths and weaknesses as a learner. You will need to reach a level of comfort in explaining your disability and need for accommodations to college disability offices, advisors, and sometimes your instructors.

Collect and keep copies of your disability documentation:

Students may have to present documentation to verify their disability, and each college may vary in what they will accept as documentation. Some may accept the high school IEP/504 Plan. Some may require an updated evaluation or documentation.

Register with DSS early:

To have your accommodations in place early in the semester, make sure you have applied for accommodations and provided appropriate documentation before the beginning of the school year. DSS will follow up via e-mail to set up an appointment once your documentation has been reviewed.

Attend Orientation:

During orientation you will be able to speak with an academic advisor to schedule classes. If possible, don’t schedule classes back-to-back. Leave some extra time in between classes if you plan to utilize extended time on exams. Attend resource fairs to learn what types of support are available on the campus.

Transfer Student Tips

Identify where you will receive academic advising:

CSUF academic advisors play an essential role in guiding students through their academic journey by helping navigate course selection, graduation requirements, and future career goals. Please use the Academic Advising at CSUF website to find your advisor.

Identify the resources specific to your major/college in addition to campus wide student success initiatives:

CSUF has ample campus resources for student success! All Colleges offer Student Success Centers specific to the college which are tailored to support the academic and vocational needs of specific majors. Be sure to check emails from your department and college to learn more about resources for academic success.

Prepare to experience an adjustment period during your first semester:

As a transfer student you have most likely begun to fine tune your organizational skills, study habits, and identity as a college student, however, transiting to CSUF can still be a huge adjustment. A larger campus, focusing on upper division course work, and figuring out a new system can be challenging. Give yourself some grace and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between High School and College Accommodation?

In high school, services were implemented by a team of educators and parents with an aim toward promoting your success. When you enter college the responsibility shifts. You must seek out assistance by contacting Disability Support Services offices to arrange your accommodations. This is a fundamental change in the way that you relate to instructors and advisers; as a college student, you will now initiate all services and accommodations. Differences Between High School and College Accommodation High School College Focus is to promote  SUCCESS Focus is to provide  ACCESS The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is implemented at the secondary school level with an aim toward  success  for all students entitled to a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) at their Local Education Agency (LEA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act guides college-level accommodation policy with an aim toward  access  for “otherwise qualified” students based on the colleges’ admission criteria. Modification of instruction and curriculum are commonly provided in response to student learning needs. Through an interactive interview process, reasonable accommodations are identified to ensure equal access and participation. Students are responsible for meeting the standards of the course, and essential elements of the course objectives are not modified. The LEA is responsible for identifying a student’s disability, determining eligibility for services and implementing appropriate accommodations. Students identify their request for services to the disability office, and provide documentation that verifies eligibility for accommodations specific to a functional limitation. Cost of evaluations are borne by the LEA Cost of evaluations are borne by the student Individual Education Plans or 504 Plans are created to guide the student’s instruction and mandate services Higher education institutions do not develop comparable individual education plans Teachers and parents arrange services and assistance for the student Students must initiate request for services and arrange required accommodations School-based services based on demonstrated need are put in place to promote success, such as: Special education classes Co-teaching and resource room Teaching assistants or personal aides Speech therapy/OT/PT providers Extended time exams College accommodations are intended to mitigate the impact of disability based on eligibility to ensure access, such as: Alternative testing arrangements Assistive technology/software Alternative formats Communication access services Personal aide services are arranged and provided by school district College is not responsible for personal aide services Teachers and parents remind students to complete homework, help in exam preparation, and aid with time management Students independently plan homework and create reading and study schedules High school provides a highly regimented, closely monitored schedule with homework assigned at regular intervals College schedule has more free, unstructured time; classes meet less frequently, more difficult homework, and heavy reading load Parents communicate routinely with teachers, and can easily monitor student academic progress Parents have no contact with instructors, and written consent is required to access student progress Parents and teachers guide and intervene on the student’s behalf, recommending strategies and supports Students need to self-advocate, articulate their needs for services and accommodations proactively, and pursue resources on campus for assistance Attribution: The Advocacy Consortium and  Learning Disabilities Association of America

What can DSS do for me?

DSS provides academic support services for a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, learning, developmental and temporary disabilities. Services are assigned on a case-by-case basis and are based upon the documentation submitted with the student’s application. To apply for services, submit an application for accommodations.

How long does it take to get accommodations after I turn in documentation?

Once documentation is received and reviewed Disability Support Services staff will contact the student to schedule an appointment within 2-3 business days. At the beginning of the fall semester this process may take a little longer than it will during the rest of the school year. We recommended that you submit your information at least 30 days prior to the date that services are needed. If you will require any accommodations that may involve securing additional services or materials such as sign language interpreters, books in audio format or specialized housing requests, please submit your documentation at least 60 days prior to the date that services are needed.

What will my New Student Appointment look like?

When you first meet with your Disability Management Specialist, they will do what is called an "interactive process" which is really a conversation where they get to know more about you, your disability, and the ways you may be impacted by your disability while at school. You will also discuss accommodation eligibility and next steps to request accommodations and send Course Accommodation Letters (CALs) to your professors. You can also bring a member of your support team with you to help you, we may just ask you for their permission to be there with you before we get started.

Will I receive all of my IEP or 504 plan accommodations in the college setting?

Not necessarily. The IEP or 504 plan may provide good information for the Disability Management Specialist to learn about how you have been accommodated in the past. However, you will need to submit documentation such as a recent psychological evaluation or letter from your doctor describing your disability, your functional limitations, and recommendations for accommodations that might help you to be successful. It is important to keep in mind that high school services are geared toward guaranteeing success for students whereas the goal of college services is to provide access. As a result of this difference, the types of accommodations provided in a college setting may differ from those you are accustomed to receiving in high school.

What if there is an accommodation I need that is not offered?

DSS provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities based on understanding their unique needs. If there is an accommodation that is not offered that you need to succeed, please set a follow up appointment with a specialist to discuss your unique need with us further.

What happens if a faculty member does not want to accommodate me?

According to ADA and Section 504, schools must provide appropriate supports and accommodations so that students with disabilities can participate equally in classes, activities, housing, and other aspects of school. If a professor does not wish to grant accommodations, notify DSS as soon as possible. For contact information, visit our About Us page.

Am I obligated to disclose my disability?

Outside of the DSS, you do not have to disclose your disability to anybody at school. The professor may ask you about your accommodations to ensure you receive them, but you do not need to reveal your disability to your professor. Your professor will only have your accommodation letter which lists your eligible accommodations. Whether or not you wish to share more directly with them is entirely up to you.

Do I need to send my Course Accommodation Letters every semester?

Yes.