Life on Campus

Students with disabling conditions are subject to the provisions of the Savannah State University’s Code of Student Conduct. Any behavior that violates these policies is subject to sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the University. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not protect behaviors alleged to be a consequence of the disabling condition. Our office is happy to make referrals to appropriate professionals for assessment and treatment of any behavior disorders at student request.

In the judgment of authorized University officials, a student may be withdrawn from the university for non-academic reasons when it is determined that the student has demonstrated behavior that:

poses a significant danger or threat of physical harm to self or to the person or property of others
interferes with the rights and privileges of other members of the university community or with the exercise of any proper activities or functions of the university or its personnel
Except in situations where the student is believed to be an imminent threat to self or others, as determined at the sole discretion of the University, a student shall, upon request, be accorded due process concerning his or her continued enrollment at the university. In situations involving an imminent threat, the student will be provided a hearing as soon as possible after the withdrawal occurs.

The Regents Centers for Learning Disorders (RCLD) were established and funded in 1993 by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The three centers (located at Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia) were established to provide cost effective comprehensive evaluations for students with possible learning disorders that are attending schools within the University System of Georgia. Savannah State University works with the RCLD located at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

In addition to its individualized evaluation services, the RCLD also supports program and policy development for institutions within the University System by providing consultative services, workshops, and training and assistance to each USG institution’s Office of Disability Services. Additionally, the RCLD provides a unique setting for academic research and clinical training for Georgia Southern graduate students in psychology and related programs.

Disability Accommodations for ACCUPLACER Testing
Students who have a documented disability (learning disability, ADD, psychological disorder, acquired brain injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory, medical or mobility impairment) may be eligible to receive appropriate reasonable test accommodations on standardized tests and in classes. If you would like to receive test accommodations for the ACCUPLACER, the Disability Resource Center in the King-Frazier Complex. You may also call them at (912) 358-3115 to schedule an intake appointment and provide sufficient documentation of your disability at least two (2) weeks prior to the test date. Students who choose to take the test without accommodations may not petition to retest based on a lack of disability accommodations.

Student Responsibilities When Requesting Disability Accommodations

• Self identify to the Coordinator of Disability Services, provide documentation of the disability that meets standards set by the Board of Regents and participate in the intake interview. Please be aware that all documentation of ADD, Learning Disability, Psychological Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Acquired Brain Injuries will be sent by our office to the Regents’ Center for Learning Disorders for review and approval by their psychologists after the student signs a release of information form. This approval process usually takes two weeks.
• Once approved for accommodations, bring a copy of your class schedule to the Coordinator each semester as soon as soon as you are registered. This tells me you want accommodations next semester and tells me to prepare your Accommodation Letters.
• Pick up your Accommodation Letters from the Coordinator each semester on the first day of class and identify yourself to your professors during the first week of class so they have a fair chance to assist you. Give them the Accommodation Letter. Discuss your accommodations. If you need test accommodations, decide together if it works best for you to take your tests with the professor or with me. Have each professor sign the Accommodation Acknowledgement Form page telling us if we are providing test accommodations or if the professor is providing them. Return the signed form as soon as possible. I will not schedule tests without a signed form.
• If you are taking tests with our office, you must schedule the test date and time with the Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance. Notify me immediately if the test schedule changes. Our policy is that you should schedule to take your tests on the same day as the class, as close to the same time as possible without missing any other class lectures. I cannot give you a test on a different day than the class unless you have the professor contact me and tell me it is OK. I will always contact the professor the day before and request the test, but I can’t do it if you have not scheduled the test with me. If you are on my test schedule, I will call you the day before and remind you of your test time. Come on time for tests. Chronic lateness or missed appointments mean you may not receive your accommodations. These behaviors are unprofessional and show a lack of respect for the Coordinator’s time and schedule.
• Do not cheat on your tests. If you take your tests at a different time than your classmates you must not discuss any test content with other students until everyone has taken the test. Honor code violations are taken seriously and will be reported immediately to the professor and the Office of Student Conduct.
• Understand that students with disabilities have to meet all the same academic and admissions standards. Accommodations are not a guarantee of success. The purpose of accommodations is to make sure you have access to the academic material and access to demonstrate that you mastered the material. Accommodations are not a substitute for appropriate medical treatment, medication or counseling.
• Understand that your attendance in class is very important, even if you have significant medical issues. The Coordinator of Disability Services cannot override professors’ class policies regarding attendance or make up work or missed tests. I cannot tell a professor that they must give you more absences or excuse your past absences. Students with disabilities must meet the attendance requirements of class. Read your class syllabus carefully and make sure you understand the attendance, missed test and make up work policy. Talk to the professor about it. At some point in every class, no matter how valid the reason for the absences, a student has missed too much to be able to successfully complete the class. That point is at the professor’s discretion. If you are having disability related problems that cause you to miss class frequently, please keep your professors and the Coordinator informed. The Coordinator does not assume your responsibility of notifying your professor of your absences. It is best to inform the professor via email in advance if you will be absent and to get medical verification at the time of your absences. The Harris McDew Health Clinic on campus can help you get medical attention and it is free. The worst thing you can do is to simply stop attending class…. The consequences to your academics and financial aid can be serious and long lasting. You have these options:
  • Dropping classes: You have until the midpoint of the semester to drop any class for any reason and receive a W grade and you strongly need to consider that and discuss it with your professor if you are failing or have too many absences at midsemester. There are limits on how many times a student is allowed to do this.
  • Appealing to Withdraw after midsemester: Appealing to Withdraw from school means you are pulling out of all your classes because of a significant illness or emergency that keeps you from finishing. If you have significant medical issues after midsemester, you can appeal to Academic Affairs to withdraw from the semester, but you must have good written verification about why you need to withdraw and you must withdraw from all your classes. Appealing to withdraw does not guarantee that the appeal will be approved. Do not wait until the last day of class to appeal to withdraw.
  • Incompletes: If you have successfully completed almost all your class requirements and are passing, but cannot quite finish the last test or project because of medical issues, you can ask the Professor to consider giving you an Incomplete. Incompletes are also at the Professor’s discretion, but this can give you extra time to complete the class requirements. Incompletes are not appropriate if you are not passing the class.
  • Dropping classes and withdrawing can impact your financial aid adversely: You should check with financial aid before making any decision. Financial Aid does have an appeal process if you lose aid because of a significant illness or emergency. Dropping classes and withdrawing can also impact your on campus housing and your Vocational Rehabilitation Services if you are taking less than a fulltime load of 12 hours. Academic Affairs can set limits regarding the number of times a student can drop classes or withdraw.
  • Retaking classes: If you receive poor grades, you have the option to retake a limited number of hours during your academic career here at SSU and having your new grade replace your old grade in the GPA calculation. The old grade still shows up on your transcript, but is no longer figured into GPA calculations.
• Maintain regular communication with professors and with the Coordinator. Notify me if problems or questions occur. I want to help, but I am not psychic…talk to me so I can help.I will work hard to help you, but I cannot work harder for you than you work for yourself. Make sure I have your up-to-date phone numbers, email and mailing addresses. Check your email and voice mail frequently for messages from me.
• Respect the privacy and dignity of other students who receive accommodations if you see them as you are coming and going from our office by not gossiping about them. Treat others as you want to be treated.

Start Planning Early
Begin preparing in your junior and senior years by applying to SSU in the fall of your senior year, completing the FAFSA by March, and arranging housing and disability accommodations as soon as you’re accepted.

Prepare for Standardized Tests
If you need test accommodations, work with your high school counselor to secure these well in advance of SAT or ACT dates. Take the tests early, and consider prep courses to improve your scores.

Understand College Responsibilities
Unlike high school, students must independently request accommodations, provide updated documentation, and follow university procedures. Plan ahead to ensure your disability documentation meets college requirements.

Develop Academic and Life Skills
Strengthen your study habits, time management, and independent living skills to adjust to the increased demands of college. Plan for at least two hours of study for every hour in class.

Advocate for Yourself
Practice explaining how your disability impacts your education and confidently discuss accommodations with professors. Take advantage of all available resources to ensure your success.

Prioritize Health and Wellness
If you’re moving to Savannah, establish local healthcare providers and transfer medical records before arriving. Make informed decisions about alcohol, drugs, and sexual health to stay focused on your academic and personal goals.

Get Involved
Participate in freshman orientation and connect with staff or faculty who can guide you to helpful resources. Remember, asking for help is a step toward success.

With proactive planning and the right support, you can make your college experience rewarding and successful. The Disability Resource Center is here to help you every step of the way.

It is the intent of SSU to provide this grievance procedure in order that these serious concerns might be resolved completely and amicably. We, therefore fully intend that these internal remedies be exhausted prior to the filing of any legal action.

Students and Employees who feel that a decision by a Disability Resource Center (DRC) staff member or a Professor / Supervisor does not fully comply with federal disability legislation should follow the appropriate procedure as outlined below:

Complaints by Students of ADA Violations by Disability Resource Center
Students should first meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services and attempt to resolve the problem informally. It is anticipated that most questions will be resolved in this way. Cases unresolved at the Coordinator’s level may be appealed to the Director of Student Development. The Coordinator of Disability Services will assist the student in making an appointment with and will forward materials relevant to the complaint to the Director of Student Development. The Director of Student Development will meet with the student in an attempt to resolve the compliant. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Director of Student Development, the student will be assisted in appealing to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and will forward all relevant materials to Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs will meet with the student and attempt to resolve the appeal. If the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and the student are not successful, the student will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs, then the President of the University and ultimately to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Complaints by Students of ADA Violations by Faculty
Students who feel that a faculty member has violated their rights under federal disability legislation should first meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services to register their complaint. If the Coordinator of Disability Services feels the incident demands further investigation, an informal inquiry begins by discussing the allegations(s) with that faculty member. It is anticipated that most perceived violations will be resolved at this point, through discussion with the faculty member of the relevant legislation and appropriate methods of accommodating students’ documented disabilities.

The Coordinator of Disability Services will inform the student and the faculty member of any agreed- upon actions on the part of all parties, with a copy to the Director of Student Development. Cases unresolved at this level may be appealed to the Department Chair. The Coordinator of Disability Services will assist the student in making an appointment with the Chair and will forward materials relevant to the complaint to the Dean of that particular College. The Director of Student Development will also be notified that the complaint has been unresolved and will receive copies of information related to the complaint.

The Chair will meet with the student in an attempt to resolve the complaint. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Chair, the Chair will assist the student in appealing to the Dean and will forward all relevant materials to the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs will meet with the student and attempt to resolve the appeal. If the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and the student are not successful, the student will be referred to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the President and ultimately to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Complaints of Employees Regarding Accommodations / ADA Issues
If an employee who has applied or is receiving disability accommodations feels that they are not being treated appropriately by either the Coordinator of Disability Services or their supervisor regarding ADA issues, he or she should first discuss the matter with the Coordinator of Disability Services. If complaint cannot be resolved by meeting with Coordinator or the Coordinator and employee’s supervisor together, the employee can file a written complaint with the Head of Human Resources within 20 days of the decision or incident.