- Chinese Proverb

Information for

Students with

Disabilities

Disabilities include but are not limited to hearing, orthopedic, speech, or visual impairments; cerebral palsy, diabetes, hemophilia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cancer, learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or depression.

Mission

Colgate provides for a small student body a liberal arts education that will expand individual potential and ability to participate effectively in society's affairs. There are many resources available for all students, and within our campus-wide support system, we offer services that are responsive to the individual talents and needs of our students who have disabilities.

Admission

The office of admission reviews applications of all candidates. The staff looks for evidence of substantial achievement in a rigorous secondary school curriculum. Also valued are qualities such as curiosity, originality, thoughtfulness, and persistence. Should you have questions please contact the office at (315) 228-7401.

Once You are Admitted

            We would like to plan with you for any reasonable accommodations you may need at Colgate. While it is entirely your decision about whether to report your disability or not, we want to encourage you to do so. Your questions pertaining to what constitutes appropriate documentation, possible accommodations and services, confidentiality, or any other matters of interest or concern are welcomed. Please keep in mind that policies and practices related to disabilities at Colgate may be quite different from what you experienced in high school or another institution you attended previously.

         Lynn Waldman, Director of Academic Program Support and Disability Services (315) 228-7225 should be contacted well in advance of your arrival on campus. Any necessary documentation should be sent to:  Lynn Waldman, Director of Academic Program Support and Disability Services, 105 McGregory Hall, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346.

When You Arrive on Campus

            Seeking help early and learning to communicate with faculty and staff about your needs are essential to your success and satisfaction with your college experience. Meet with your professors at the beginning of each semester to discuss accommodations you may need in the course.

         We provide services in support of academic work such as assistance with note-takers, tape-recorded lectures, and assistive technology, on an as-needed basis. Out of the classroom, we can help with room selection as well as with specific accommodations in the residence hall.

Geography and Climate

            Colgate's campus is strikingly beautiful but our location on a steep hillside and our winter climate can pose considerable challenges, especially for individuals with mobility impairments. We want to assist you with your transportation and parking needs and insure you have access to university programs and services. Should a program you want to attend be in a location that is not currently accessible, please let us know so we can relocate the program to a different building or floor, if necessary. We would be happy to provide you with a copy of our campus accessibility map.

In Closing

            Colgate University is committed to treating all members of the university community in an equitable manner. The university will not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Colgates nondiscrimination policy complies with all current statutes and applies in admission, employment, and access to all programs, services and other activities offered by the university.

         We invite suggestions about innovative and meaningful ways to respond to the special needs of members of the Colgate community.

Campus Resources

Lynn Waldman

Director of Academic Program Support and Disability Services

Reviews documentation to determine reasonable accommodations. Works with students and faculty to insure that the needs of students with disabilities are met. Provides information, training, and individual consultation upon request concerning disability issues. Coordinates compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Chairs the Campus Access Committee at Colgate.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7225

TTY:  (315) 228-6001

FAX:  (315) 228-7831

E-Mail:  LWaldman@mail.colgate.edu

Beverly Low

Dean of First Year Students

Serves as administrative adviser for all first year students.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7368

Gretchen Herringer

Registrar

Resource for questions and concerns pertaining to course selection, graduation requirements, and transfer requirements.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7406

Emily Hutton

Head of Collection Development, Case and Cooley Libraries

Coordinates library services for students with disabilities.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7308

Ben Opipari

Director of the Writing Center

Provides individualized tutoring and writing instruction.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7376

Mark Thompson

Director, University Counseling and Psychological Services

Provides confidential psychological counseling free of charge for students.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7750

Merrill Miller, M.D.

University Physician/Student Health Service

Available for ongoing medical care and medications for disabilities and discussions about nutritional/dietary needs. Arranges for physical therapy and consults with Campus Safety concerning transportation needs.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7750

Gary Bean

Director, Campus Safety

Assists students with physical disabilities with transportation needs and coordinates parking on campus.

Telephone:  (315) 228-7333

TTY:  (315) 228-6002

Affiliations

Colgate University has a membership in AHEAD, the Association on Higher Education and Disability.

Colgate is a member of the Post-Secondary Disabilities Consortium of Central New York.

Community Resources

Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York (LDCNY)

Aggie Dewan, Director

722 West Manlius Street

East Syracuse, NY 13059

Telephone:  (315) 432-0665

Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID)

Carol Tyler, Enable Coordinator

1603 Court Street

Syracuse, NY 13208

Telephone:  (315) 455-7591

TTY:  (315) 455-1794

Prepared by the

Office of Academic Support and

Disability Services

Colgate University

13 Oak Drive

Hamilton, New York 13346

Revised May 2002