Frequently Asked Questions

• MySSD How-to Guides

  These guides should help you with anything you'll need to navigate our new system. Please contact ssd@colum.edu with and questions.

   

  New Students

  • Apply for Services

   

  Returning Students

  • Request Accommodations

   

  Receiving Notes

  • How to View Notes

   

  Being a Notetaker

  • Becoming a Notetaker
  • Upload Notes
• General FAQs

  Who is eligible for accommodations?

  All currently enrolled students with a disability are eligible for services. A disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits an individual's ability to perform one or more major life activities. Some disabilities may include (but are not limited to):

  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder Learning Disability Communication Disorder

  Psychological/Emotional Disability Deafness/Hard-of-Hearing Blindness/Visual Impairment

  
  

  What kind of accommodations are available for students with disabilities?

  Here are some of the more common accommodations:

  • Extended time for exams and quizzes
  • Reduced distraction testing room
  • Note taker
  • Preferential seating
  • Permission to record lectures
  • Sign-language interpreters (see also Interpreting Services)
  • Alternative formats
  • Others

  
  How do I start receiving services?

  See our guide here!

   

  Once I am registered with SSD, what do I need to do to receive accommodations each semester? 

  The process to request your accommodation letters and have them set to your instructors is completely digital to make things easier for students! Each semester, SSD students must initiate the request for their semester-specific accommodation letters to be sent to their instructors through our online database system, MySSD. Once a student requests their accommodation letters, the SSD office will send them to their instructors electronically, via email.

  To request your accommodation letters, click on the “Returning Students” tab on the left and follow the instructions listed there to request accommodation letters. There is a step-by-step instruction guide found on the "Returning Students" page to help you request your letters.

  Accommodations are effective upon receipt of the semester-specific accommodation letter by the instructor.  They are not retroactive.

   

  Why should I register with SSD?

  It is recommended that all students with disabilities provide documentation to SSD, even if they do not choose to request any services.
  Providing documentation enables SSD staff to act more efficiently and knowledgeably on a student’s behalf, should the need arise and should the student request this.

   

• Documentation Guidelines

  Please review the documentation guidelines to learn about the types of information that must be submitted to be considered eligible for services through SSD.
  Be sure to read the general guidelines and specific guidelines related to your disability. 

  Off Campus Providers (informational)