Students with Disabilities Rockingham Community College believes that the programs and services of the college should be equally available and accessible to all. We are committed to giving students individual assistance and support and providing an educational environment that encourages all individuals. Assessment, planning, counseling, consultation and accommodations are available in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Frequently Asked Questions What services do you have for persons with disabilities? The counselor coordinates accommodations for all qualified students with documented disabilities. The services an individual receives are determined by his/her disability documentation and functional limitations.
What kind of financial assistance is available for persons with disabilities? All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. The primary responsibility for financing a college education rests with the individual student. However, financial aid is available to students who qualify and is used to supplement personal, family, and community resources. Agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind may provide similar assistance to eligible students. Aid includes grants, scholarships, employment and loans. The Financial Aid Office is open until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. If you would like additional information, stop by the Financial Aid office in Whitcomb Student Center or call ext. 2203.
Do you do testing for learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder? RCC does not do any type of testing for disabilities. However, referrals for testing can be made to appropriate community resources.
Requesting Services You may self-disclose that you have a disability and request services through Student Development. Appropriate documentation of educational needs relevant to a disability and functional limitations may be required before services are provided. Terry Kent or LaVonne James will meet with you to discuss your educational needs.
Student Responsibilities Students with disabilities must maintain the same responsibility for their education as non-disabled students. This includes maintaining the same academic progression standards, maintaining appropriate behavior and giving timely notification on any needs requiring reasonable accommodations.
A student may choose to self-disclose his/her disability to faculty members or Student Services staff. Each student is encouraged to discuss special needs he/she may have in a specific setting with his/her instructor. Self-advocacy promotes independence and develops the skills the student needs to function successfully in the work world.
A student is responsible for providing the college with the information and/or documentation necessary for planning for his/her educational needs, and for initiating each request for aids or service, in a timely manner.
Faculty Responsibilities Faculty/instructional personnel are encouraged to include a statement on their course syllabi inviting students with special needs to meet with them outside class. This statement lets students know that faculty members recognize there may be students with disabilities in the class, and provides an opportunity to discuss their learning needs and to make necessary referrals.
Set realistic goals and priorities for course work. You may want to begin with a reduced course load.
Be prepared to request reasonable accommodations in your course work so you can learn and demonstrate your knowledge of course material.
Become knowledgeable and comfortable about describing your disability and related academic limitations/concerns so you can advocate for yourself with faculty and staff.
Keep only one calendar with all relevant dates, assignments, and appointments. Do not try to keep a schedule in your head. Refer to it frequently.
Attend class regularly. Sit toward the front of the classroom to maximize your contact and to reduce distractions.
Use a tape recorder during lectures. Get instructor permission first. You may get a better tape quality by putting the recorder near the speaker, rather than on your desk. Selectively tape-record key points using the pause switch.
Listen to the tape or review your written notes as soon as possible after class to refresh your memory and to fill in any gaps. General good study practice says within 24 hours.
Estimate how long a given class assignment will take, generally planning on two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Build in study breaks; fatigue is a big time waster.
If you learn better by listening to others and discussing what you have learned, start or join a study group.
Take advantage of campus resources, labs, and tutors that are available to all students.
If you are having trouble or feel overwhelmed, talk with the instructor immediately. Do not hesitate to seek help. It is critical that you link up with campus supports before you fall behind in your work.
Resources Available on Campus As part of Rockingham Community College's commitment to each student's success, a number of resources/services are available on campus. You might be particularly interested in some of the services listed below.
Advisors help the student identify his/her goals, objectives and concerns at RCC. As a teacher, the advisor assists the student in developing skills in asking questions, in planning and implementing, and in making decisions. As an academic role model, the advisor brings to the relationship a concern for the student and his/her academic program as well as information, experience, and resources that can be of assistance to the student. As a mentor, the advisor raises appropriate questions, offers advice and facilitates the solving of academic problems. In the event the student's personal problems interfere with academic success, the advisor may assist the student in identifying and utilizing college and community resources. Each member of the teaching faculty maintain office hours, in addition to teaching. If academic difficulties occur, your instructor is the primary resource for assistance. Faculty members typically operate by appointment and their schedules are posted on their office doors. Telephone and e-mail support may also be available. Support personnel can assist with scheduling appointments.
Counselors are available to assist students with personal, academic, and career concerns. Their primary objectives are to help people reach personal goals and to help people improve decision-making abilities that will aid them in exercising self-direction and problem-solving skills. To talk to a counselor, call ext. 2333, or stop by Student Development in the Whitcomb Student Center. Counselors are available
from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Monday, Thursday, and Friday; and from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Learning Assistance Center (LAC). The LAC offers a variety of tutoring services in the humanities, particularly foreign languages, grammar, writing, computer literacy, research skills, and study skills. Tutoring is achieved through several methods in order to meet the needs of different learning styles. We offer computer-assisted instruction, audio tapes, and printed material as well as old-fashioned one-on-one tutoring by both instructors and peer tutors. The LAC has computers available for student use, with qualified assistants on hand to aid the student in their operation if necessary. Call ext. 2123 or stop by C-209. The hours are posted on the door.
The Math/Science Lab is designed for students needing help in math or science courses. Located in the Science Building, the lab resources include instructors, student tutors, computers, video instruction, textbooks and manuals, calculators, graphing calculators, models and tools. Space is provided for quiet study, group work, computer work, viewing videotaped lectures, tutoring, and taking and reviewing tests. Lab hours are posted on the entrance doors, or call ext. 2263.
The Career Center has a wealth of resources designed to help students examine and understand the various aspects involved in career selection. The College Transfer and Career Development Center located in the Whitcomb Student Center, enables students to explore and develop methods that will lead to realistic and satisfying career and life goals. Call ext. 2333 to schedule an appointment.
Human Resources Development (HRD) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to use learned techniques to find jobs in today's complex and demanding job market. Additional attention is given to career counseling, training options, and continuing education. In the program, students gain knowledge of up-to-date application tips, answers to difficult interview questions, and professional practice interviews. Each student receives a powerful and concise resume. Emphasis is placed on boosting self-confidence and developing team-building skills. If you are interested in this free, three-week class, contact Carolyn Loftis at ext. 2206.
Veteran Services coordinates financial and other assistance to qualified veterans and dependents of disabled veterans. Contact Kathy Everette, ext. 2319 in the Financial Aid Office in the Whitcomb Student Center.
