Common Forms

• Verification of Disability (To submit this form properly, you must download it first)
• Documentation Guidelines
• FERPA Release

 Please check the tabs below for any additional support you may need.

• Taking Tests at SSD

  For Students 

  Our test scheduling process is now online!

  Students with testing accommodations, please fill out this form.

  Please do not fill out this form if you do not already have testing accommodations.

  Please contact our office at ssd@colum.edu, 312-369-8296, the day before the test to confirm that your testing accommodation is all set.   

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  For Instructors 

  Our test scheduling process is now online!

  SSD will email you after the student makes us aware of an upcoming test; however, you are welcome to fill out the form ahead of time if you wish.

  Please complete the following form here.

  If the test is on Canvas, click the following link for a guide on changing an assessment’s duration: Canvas Time Adjustment Guide. 

  This new testing procedure is intended to make the process easier! By streamlining the test scheduling forms you used to receive, we hope to serve you and your students more efficiently. 

  We will scan completed in-person assessments and email them back to you.

• Alternative Materials Request
  If you have an accommodation to receive materials in an alternative format, please fill out this form. Please note that you may still be required to purchase or provide a copy of the requested materials. 
• Non-Academic Accommodations

  Animals on Campus

  Applications and documentation submitted after the deadline will be reviewed but there is no guarantee that the request will be approved.

  Fall Semester: For an animal in the fall, applications have a deadline of May 1.

  Spring Semester: For an animal in the Spring, applications have a deadline of November 1.

  • • Assistance  Animal Policy and Acknowledgement and Release of Information Consent Form to be reviewed, and then signed and dated by you.
    • Assistance Animal in Housing Verification Form,   
      • Please note that this form must be completed by your current doctor, therapist or other reliable licensed third party who can verify that you have a disability and your disability-related need for an assistance animal. 
    • Assistance Animal Housing Request and Registration Form, which should include:
      • Current Vaccinations.
      • Vet Records.
      • Photo of Animal.
      • Photo of Kennel/Cage/Carrier.

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  Housing

  Columbia College Chicago provides reasonable housing accommodations to students with disabilities who have a verifiable need for the accommodation.  A reasonable accommodation is an exception to the usual rules, policies, practices or services that a resident with a disability may need to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy college housing.   

   To begin the process, you need to complete the following:

  • 1. The online Application for Services on MySSD.
       You will be required to use your Columbia College Chicago credentials. (Please use our Instruction Guide to help with the application.)

    2. The Verification of Disability form.
       This form is to be completed by your doctor, therapist or other reliable licensed third party who can verify that you have a disability and your disability-related need for a housing accommodation to provide you with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy college housing.  Your provider should include as much information as possible and at a minimum, sufficient detail showing a clear nexus between the functional limitations/impacts experienced by you due to your disability and the need for the requested accommodation for equal access to housing. 

    3. Once completed, you will need to submit it via MySSD as part of your application.
       You can also submit any other documentation that you would like our office to review.  If you need classroom accommodations, please review our Documentation Guidelines for the type of documentation needed and contact our office regarding any questions.  

  After we receive your application and documentation, our staff will review it and then contact you with questions and to schedule an Intake appointment. The intake appointment allows us to discuss with you your disability and what accommodations and other supports we can put in place to assist you. 

  Note: Housing accommodations are based upon first-come, first-served and available inventory at the time. We encourage you to submit your application and documentation as soon as possible. 

  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

• Scholarships / Other

  The following items do not represent the entirety of the diverse populations SSD works with.

  Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: https://students.colum.edu/ssd/scholarships.pdf 

  Literature for ADD/ADHD: https://www.additudemag.com/

  Other Scholarships: 2023 BSA Scholarship Application

  Petition for Exception to Scholarship Full Time Status Requirement

  Recipients of renewable Columbia scholarships who are unable to register full-time due to a medical circumstance or disability may submit a petition by filling out the ADA Scholarship Exemption Form to request an exception to the full-time enrollment requirement of their scholarship(s). Students will be considered if they have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations on file with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Approval is based on SSD’s review of these accommodations and the Scholarship Committee’s review of students’ accounts. An exception is not guaranteed. Please note that the form link may only be active during some parts of the year as a reflection of any related deadlines. If you have any questions about filing a Petition for Exception, please reach out to College Advising (collegeadvising@colum.edu) or the SSD office.

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   Helpful Apps for Students:

  1. Freedom: Block distracting websites and apps on all platforms (free trial, then paid
  subscription).
  2. Forest: When you want to focus on your work, plant a tree on your phone using the
  app, which will die if you use the phone for something else (free or a one-time purchase,
  depending on the platform).
  3. White Noise Generator (Android) and White Noise HQ (iOS): Generate background
  sounds of your choice (free, has in-app purchases).
  4. RescueTime: Track how you spend your time (free, has a premium version).
  5. Simple habit: Use guided meditation to relieve stress and anxiety (free, has a premium
  version).
  6. Sanvello: Learn how to use various techniques to deal with issues such as stress,
  anxiety, and depression (free, has a premium version).
  7. Belion: Tracks study, work, or other activities and provides points and statistics on
  your progress (free).
  8. Dreamie Planner: A simple planner with unique and creative features that allows
  users to track important deadlines (free).
  9. Microsoft To Do: Ditch the post it note and instead create task lists digitally with this
  application. Can be used across multiple devices (included with your student
  subscription through Columbia)
  10. Google Tasks: Create tasks and subtasks to easily manage all your deadlines, from
  homework assignments to calling your mom to remembering your weekly grocery trip.
  (free)
  11. Fabulous: This daily routine planner includes a life coach to help you live your best
  life (free, has a subscription option).
  12. SleepTown: Like Forest, this app allows you to track your sleep and build healthy
  sleep habits and break the late-night phone temptations (free, optional in-app
  purchases).