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

  • STAY TUNED!

   

  Being a Notetaker

  • Becoming a Notetaker
  • Upload Notes

   

• FAQs for Students During COVID-19

  -Is SSD still open and operating?

  • SSD is operating Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. All appointments and services will be conducted by email, phone, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom until further notice. SSD will not be able to proctor tests while virtual instruction is in place at the College. Our staff is available remotely during our regular business hours. 

  How do I submit my application or documentation?

  • Please visit MySSD to complete the application and upload documentation. Check out our guide if you need any help!

  If I need to talk to someone in the office, who should I contact?

  • Send us an email (SSD@colum.edu). Once received, a staff member will review it and contact you directly.
  • Call our office at 312-369-8296 and leave a detailed message. A staff member will contact you as soon as possible.

  With the switch to all-virtual instruction, I anticipate barriers and would like to request new accommodations.  What are my next steps?

  • If you are not currently registered with SSD, please email us at SSD@colum.edu and we will get you started.
  • If you are a SSD registered student, please contact us by sending an email to SSD@colum.edu or calling 312 369-8296. One of our staff members will get back to you quickly.

  I am struggling with taking care of my mental health right now.  What should I do?

  • It is very common for college students to struggle with their mental health, and symptoms may increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first thing you should know is that you are not alone! The Counseling Services office and Student Relations office are available for all Columbia College students to use. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to or you’re looking for some new coping strategies to try, they’ve got you covered! Click the links below to be taken directly to their websites. https://students.colum.edu/counseling-services/index or  https://students.colum.edu/health-center/Student_Relations

  I am having trouble connecting with the College right now.  What can I do?

  • The College has loads of resources. Here is a link to get you started: https://students.colum.edu/information-technology/remote-learning-support. As always, SSD is available to help you.

  I do not have the textbook for my class.  I used to use the Library copy to do my coursework.  What should I do?

  • Check with the Library at https://library.colum.edu/. They may now have a digital copy of what you need.

  TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:

  What happens now that tests are online?  How do I get extended time for an online quiz or test?

  • If you are a student with an “Extended Time on Test and Quizzes” accommodation, here are the 2 quick and easy steps you need to take to utilize your accommodation...
    • Step 1- Complete Part 1 of the Test Scheduling Request for Online Classes form. The form can be found on this website.
    • Step 2- Email the form (with Part 1 completed) to your instructor AT LEAST 48 HOURS before any test/quiz. Copy SSD on your email at SSD@colum.edu
  • If you do not hear back from your instructor, please email them again BEFORE you start the test/quiz and copy SSD on your email.

  I have a reduced distraction testing location accommodation. How do I use this accommodation now?

  • The College and SSD office are not open to provide this accommodation. We suggest (if possible) locating a quiet place in your home to take the test. Wear noise reduction headphones.

  I am struggling with online tests, and I don’t know what to do.

  • We have some AWESOME online testing tips just for you! Find them in "Additional COVID-19" section below!

   

  NOTE TAKER ACCOMMODATIONS:

  I currently have a volunteer note-taker in my class.  Now that the class is online, will I still receive a copy of the notes?

  • It depends on how your instructor adapts the class for online instruction.
    • 1- You may find that you no longer need a note taker due to course design changes. For example, lectures that are prerecorded videos can be watched by you at your own pace. Or, if there are no live lectures or class discussions online, then there may not be any notes for the note taker to take.
    • 2- Some instructors may still opt for scheduled class meetings with real time communication, or synchronous meetings. In those cases, you should expect to continue receiving notes.
  • Please let us know if you are not getting notes in those classes. If you no longer need a note taker for a specific class, please let us know.
  • If you need additional help, please contact us at ssd@colum.edu.

  I am a volunteer note taker in a class. How does this work for the new online classes?

  • It depends:
    • 1- If your class has been revised and the new format does not include any live synchronous instruction or discussions, then you may not be responsible for notes.
    • 2- If your instructor is holding any class sessions in real time virtually, then you are responsible to provide notes. Provide the notes in the same manner you were doing so. However, if you used to make copies of your notes at the SSD office, you can scan them, or take a photo of them making sure that they are legible, and then email them to SSD@colum.edu. 
  • Please contact SSD to let us know if there will not be any real time class sessions or if you have any questions.

  You will get paid if you provided notes up to the point when the class format changed and no further notes are required.   SSD will contact you regarding the payment process.

• FAQs For Faculty During COVID-19

   TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:

  How will extended time on tests and quizzes accommodations work? Will SSD proctor online exams?  

  • SSD will not be proctoring exams while classes are online only. If you opt for alternative assessments such as essays or untimed exams, then students may not need any testing accommodations. Generally, extended time on exams as an accommodation applies to traditional, time-limited assessments.
  • If you choose to post time-limited assessments, here are the new testing accommodation procedures:
    • 1- The student fills out Part 1 of the new Remote Test Scheduling form (found under the Forms tabe as well) and emails it to you.
    • 2- You fill out Part 2 and email it to the student and SSD. This is really important! Our students need to know before they start an assessment that their allotted time has been changed and how much time they will have to complete it.
    • 3- You will set up the applicable amount of extended time for the specific student in Canvas and the student will take the test like all other students.

  NOTE TAKER ACCOMMODATIONS:

  How will note takers work in the online format?

  • It depends on how you have adapted your class instruction for online learning. If you hold any class sessions in real time virtually, then the note taker will be responsible to provide notes.
  • If your class does not have any synchronous meetings virtually, then the note taker may not be responsible for notes.
  • All note takers will be paid for their services after the semester. SSD will contact each note taker regarding the process.
  • Suggestions:
    • With asynchronous learning, please consider posting notes online to help students who previously used note takers and for your other students who may now be challenged with online learning.
    • Post instruction in small chunks. For example, instead of a 3-hour recorded lecture, divide it up into more manageable sections.

   ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: 

  • Some students will need new accommodations due to the online format. Some students who never needed accommodations will now need help.
  • There may be new accessibility issues for the students. For example, some students may now rely upon a screen reader to assist them in viewing the materials posted and may have difficulty with accessibility depending upon how the material has been formatted.
  • Providing weekly reminders and check ins regarding upcoming work and assignments will be critical for students. You may not have done this for college students in the past. However, students are likely to be overwhelmed with the volume of work they are now juggling, complicated by the multiple distractions and family issues that may impact their study habits.
  • Break down large assignments into smaller chunks and create deadlines with some flexibility. You will be better able to assess those students who are struggling.
  • Submit a Student Success (EASE) alert for any student who is not logging in, not communicating or otherwise impacted by the new online format as soon as possible. If they are an SSD student, feel free to mention it in the alert.

  We are here to support faculty.  Please email SSD or any of the staff members separately with any questions or concerns.

   

• Additional COVID-19

  Check out the many resources at Columbia to help you: https://students.colum.edu/information-technology/remote-learning-support

  Some Apps to Check Out:

  1. Focus Keeper – Time Management
     1. Free app that helps with time management.
     2. Has a 4.8/5 rating with almost 10K downloads
  2. Inspiration Maps
     1. Free app for visual learners that helps with notetaking and organizing thoughts
  3. Accessibyte
     1. Free trail app
     2. Built to support students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf and have difficulties reading engage in interactive learning
     3. Accessible on Google Chrome, IPad, Mac, Windows or Android Devices
  4. Pacifica – Stress & Anxiety
     1. Free to download, Premium version available in app purchase
     2. Designed to provide users with tools to manage stress, anxiety and depression

  Other Resources:

  Access to free electronic books:

  • VitalSource Instructions:
    • Go to comand create an account if you don't already have one. Make sure to use your official Columbia email address (_____@colum.edu).
    • Login and click on "My Bookshelf" in the top right corner.
    • Then click on Explore in the top left corner.
    • Search for the book you need and add it to your Bookshelf and start reading.
  • RedShelf Instructions:
    • Go to comand create an account if you don't already have one. Make sure to use your colum.edu email address.
    • Login and go to about.redshelf.com/redshelfresponds
    • Scroll down a little and click on the button, "Access Free eBooks"
    • Search for the book you need and 'view details' and then 'Add to My Shelf

  Internet Hot Spots:

  • Check with your local library. Chicago Public Library is loaning WIFI hot spots to Chicago residents with a library card.  Here is the link: https://www.chipublib.org/news/borrow-a-wifi-hotspot-from-chicago-public-library/ Your local library may offer something similar.
  • Comcast is offering free WIFI. Here is the link to find a hotspot near you. https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots
• General FAQs

  What kind of accommodations are available for students with disabilities?

  • 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

  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.

  How do I start receiving services?

  A good starting point is to contact the SSD Office at 312-369-8296 or email ssd@colum.edu.
  Students must request services to start the process and register with SSD to receive services.  Here is the easy three-step registration process:

  • Complete the Application for Services located on this webpage
  • Provide SSD with appropriate documentation of the disability; see the Documentation Guidelines for more information
  • Participate in an intake meeting to discuss the student’s needs, accommodations and the accommodation process

  Following the meeting, SSD will prepare an accommodation letter for the student to give to their instructors, which details the specific approved accommodations the instructor is to provide to the student.  Accommodations are not effective until the instructor has received the current semester-specific accommodation letter. 

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

  Each semester, SSD students must initiate the request for their semester-specific accommodation letters by contacting SSD, preferably before the start of the semester, or as early as possible.  The accommodation letters will be ready for pick up two business days after the request.   Students pick up their accommodation letters from the SSD Office and deliver them to each instructor from whom they wish to receive accommodations as early as possible in the semester. Accommodations are effective upon receipt of the semester-specific accommodation letter by the instructor.  They are not retroactive.

  Please also see Right and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities

• 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. 

  Alternative Diagnostic Guidelines (informational)