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!

  How should I contact SSD if I need something?

  • Email us at SSD@colum.edu and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
  • You can also call our office at 312-369-8296 and leave a detailed message.

  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 Remote Test Scheduling form. The form can be found on this website.
    • Step 2- Email the form (with Part 1 completed) to your instructor AT LEAST 72 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:

  When you receive a Services for Students with Disabilities accommodation letter that includes a peer notetaker accommodation, here is how you can satisfy that accommodation. Please note that this accommodation is not satisfied simply by making a request for a volunteer note taker!  Please read on. 

  1. Post the request on Canvas AND make a verbal request in class.  Below is the script to use for both.  If within one week after making the request, no one volunteers, repeat the request the next week.

  Here is an easy way to earn $100.  A student in our class needs a notetaker, a person who is willing to share copies of their notes. To be a notetaker, you need to attend class regularly, take legible notes, and provide copies of your notes in a timely manner. Notetakers will upload their notes to the Services for Students with Disabilities MySSD web page assigned to them. It's easy! You will receive a $100 stipend after the end of the semester. If you are interested, please go to http://www.colum.edu/ssd "Notetakers Wanted" section to sign up or click on the following link:  https://elbert.accessiblelearning.com/Colum/ApplicationNotetaker.aspx or contact the SSD office, ssd@colum.edu. or 312 369-8296. 

  2. Talk to a student in your class who you believe is a “good student.”  Ask that student individually if they would be willing to make copies of their notes.  It is super easy: they upload them to a MySSD page each week.  That’s it.  The students needing the notes get an email when notes are uploaded, and they can download them.

  Exception  #1:

  If you are recording your class, then this accommodation does not apply.  Just be sure to provide the student(s) with a copy or link to the recorded lectures.  Please let the student and SSD know.  SSD will make a note in the student’s file.   

  Exception #2:

  If you post your power points and notes for students, or if you have notes that you are willing to share, then that will suffice.  Please let the student and SSD know.  SSD will make a note in the student’s file.  

  Exception #3:

  If your class is totally asynchronous, this accommodation does not apply.  Please let the student and SSD know.  SSD will make a note in the student’s file.  

  Exception #4:

  If your class is performance based and there are no lectures or discussions where students would typically take notes, then the accommodation may not apply.  Some examples might be Keyboarding, Acting, Ballet, etc.  Please contact SSD to confirm the applicability of the accommodation to your class. 

  Lastly, while you wait for a notetaker volunteer to be assigned, please reach out to the student(s) for frequent check-ins.  That outreach can make a huge difference for the student, both in terms of how they are progressing in your class but also knowing that you care about them.  We eliminated the burden of students having to physically deliver an accommodation letter to their instructor. At the same time, it also eliminates that personal interaction and connection where the teacher would often say thanks and if you want to talk about any of this please let me know. 

  If no one volunteers and the alternative options do not apply, contact SSD and let us know what steps you have taken.  We will provide additional suggestions or solutions. 

   

  Please contact SSD at ssd@colum.edu or 312 369-8296 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 trial 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?

  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. An instruction guide that walks students through accessing their MySSD account and requesting their accommodations can be found on the “Returning Students” page. Please follow the steps on the guide to request your letters.

  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)