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The
changes you face when you move from high school to college may feel overwhelming.
To ease the process, some colleges and universities offer orientation
programs to assist students. Traditional freshman orientation programs
may include campus visits, review of student handbooks and specific orientation
materials, information about the institution, and question and answer
sessions. Many institutions develop specialized, optional orientation
programs that prepare students with disabilities for campus life. Included
may be sessions on mobility, access to facilities, self-advocacy, student
rights and responsibilities, and resources for needed support services.
You will want to attend both orientation programs, if possible, to learn
everything you can ahead of time.
Some of the major differences between high school and college follow.
As you review them, consider your ability to adapt to each change, and
determine the type and level of support you may need to be successful
in this new environment.
Less structure
Fewer class meetings
Grades
based on only a few scores
More writing assignments
More long-range, comprehensive assignments distributed at the beginning of the semester or term
with the expectation of independent completion
Extensive independent study and assignments
More independent work to supplement classroom work
Proficient reading comprehension and note-takingskills
Less time to ask questions in class
Less personal attention
Increased work load
Faster pace of classes
Graded on content mastery, not on effort or on level of improvement
A campus with several buildings to learn to navigate
More stressful and intense learning environment
Increased expectation of technology proficiency (e.g., word processing, campus email, on-line classes, library research
No
IEPs
Instructors, not the students, set the class pace
You seek assistance by setting up an appointment with the instructor during his/her office hours
Instructors may have less contact with you
Teacher-to-student ratio increases (typically ranges from 1:20 to 1:500)
Motivation derives from your interests and desire to succeed, not from praise and external rewards
You need to monitor your progress
You have more free time and must learn to manage your time efficiently
You must be able to advocate for yourself and your needs
You will work independently to complete all assignments
Excerpted from Virginia's College Guide for Students with Disabilities (2003 Edition) www.pen.k12.va.us
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