Disabilities Services: Student Information
Prospective Students: FAQ
FAQ List
Q: How will Disabilities Services at the Ferris State University differ from those I received in high school?
A: There are many changes at the University level. There are differences in documentation for disabilities, accommodations and responsibilities for both the student and the university. Making the transition to university-level education will require you to become familiar with federal guidelines surrounding providing disabilities services at the university level, as well as new terms and concepts.
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Q: How does Disabilities Services determine what accommodations and services I should receive?
A: Each student who registers with Disabilities Services has their documentation reviewed by a counselor within our office. Our counselor's work collaboratively with students and their instructors to determine effective classroom accommodations and services based on the student`s documentation, identified needs, and history of accommodation use. We also consult with students with disabilities and appropriate FSU personnel to promote disability access to non-academic services and resources. It is important to note that some accommodations that the student may have received in high school, such as curricular modifications, may not be appropriate in the college setting. Conversely, some accommodations that the student may not have had the opportunity to use in high school (such as assistive/adaptive technology) may be available and appropriate for the student at FSU.
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Q: I received accommodations in high school or I had an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) (or 504 plan), can I use the IEP (or 504 plan) as documentation?
A: No. Accommodation standards in higher education are different than those in elementary and secondary education. A student may not be eligible for the same services in college that he or she received in elementary or secondary school. Please see the Documentation Guidelines for more information.
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Q: How do I apply for admission at Ferris State University?
A: Disabilities Services cannot admit students to the Ferris State University. All students must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions.
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Q: Should I send documentation (i.e., diagnostic testing, psychological evaluation, medical records, vision or hearing report) of my disability to the Office of Admissions with my application to the Ferris State University?
A: No. Any documentation of your disability should be sent to the Disabilities Services, the office on campus which coordinates services for students with disabilities, 901 S. Street, Starr 313, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307.
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Q: Can I be admitted to the University through Disabilities Services?
A: No. Disabilities Services cannot admit students to Ferris State University. All students must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions.
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Q: Can Disabilities Services advise me about my eligibility for admission to FSU?
A: No. Please contact the Office of Admissions regarding questions related to your admission to FSU.
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Q: What support can Disabilities Services provide on my behalf with the Office of Admissions and Records?
A: At the request of the Office of Admissions and Records, Disabilities Services may provide consultative support when students submit information in their application that note academic performance problems due to the impact of their disability and, therefore, do not reflect their ability to succeed at FSU. In these circumstances, Disabilities Services would review disability documentation and accommodation histories to verify that the applicant has a disability; that the circumstances noted in the application were disability-related; and that special consideration may be warranted.
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Q: What if I do not meet all of the high school coursework requirements, grade point average or ACT/SAT scores that are required to be considered for admission as an entering freshman?
A: The Admissions Committee for the FSU college to which you have applied will review your application. If you do not meet all of the criteria required for admission, you will need to document why you do not meet the specified requirements, and emphasize why you should still be considered for admission. You may also be admitted into the General Studies or University College program in University College until you are able to meet the requirements of the University and/or the program of choice.
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Q: When I am admitted to the University, am I registered with Disabilities Services?
A: No. A student must initiate a request for services. For more information, see Services and Procedures for more information on the registration process.
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Q: How do I arrange for a campus visit or to participate in freshman orientation?
A: Students can arrange a campus visit through the Admissions Office. FSU Freshman Orientation is mandatory for all incoming freshmen and is offered through the Admissions Office. You're always welcome to stop by Disabilities Services for a visit. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time can make sure we're able to attend to your needs and to answer your questions. Give us a call at 231-591-3057 to set up an appointment with one of our counselors who will be happy to answer your questions.
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Q: Is there a special orientation session for new students with disabilities?
A: New freshman and transfer students with disabilities attend the same orientation sessions as do non-disabled students. In addition, incoming students with disabilities will register for their first semester of classes using the same process as all other incoming students.
If an incoming student believes that his or her disability should be considered while registering for classes, that student should disclose the disability to his or her assigned academic advisor.
If you are an incoming student or the relative of an incoming student who may require accommodations during orientation please contact the Orientation Office at (231) 591-2100.
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Q: When should I apply for Disabilities Services?
A: Once you have been accepted to Ferris State University, you can request an application packet from Disabilities Services by contacting our office at 231-591-3507 or by downloading an application from our website. Complete the Application for Services and send the application and documentation of your disability to Disabilities Services.
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Q: What resources are available for students with disabilities?
A: Please visit our Services and Procedures page for a complete list of academic and non-academic services available to registered Disabilities Services students and the FSU Student Support page for a complete of resources available to all Ferris State University Students.
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Q: How do I locate accessible routes, entries and elevators to campus buildings?
A: Disabilities Services staff can assist students with disabilities in identifying travel routes and building locations, as well as the location of ramps and elevators. Please see the Campus Accessibility Map and the Maps of Handicapped Accessibility in Campus Facilities for more information.
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Q: Is accessible campus transportation available?
A: Disabilities Services does not offer accommodations of transportation on the FSU campus. DIAL-A-RIDE operates an accessible campus transportation system incorporating uniquely designed buses equipped with hydraulic lifts. Students can make arrangements for their own transportation by contacting them at (231) 796-8675
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Q: Does Disabilities Services help with arranging housing on campus?
A: Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements on the campus. Disabilities Services is available to act as a resource for contact information for housing accommodations.
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Q: What role do my parents play in the process?
A: While parents can be of assistance, the student is responsible for working with Disabilities Services and instructors. Students who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. Each student is responsible for his/her accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. All communication is between the student and Disabilities Services unless the student signs a release of information form, even then all primary communication will go through the student. Parental involvement is contingent upon student's consent. However, students are encouraged to maintain an open dialog with their parents as they can be a great source of support.
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Q: Do you have interpreters and other services for students with hearing impairments?
A: Yes. Upon University acceptance and commitment, students should contact Deb Cox, Department Head Educational and Career Counseling Center and Disabilities Services, at TTY (231) 591-3507 or coxd@ferris.edu.
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Q: Where do I get the forms I need?
A: Documentation Guidelines are available below:
For more information, see Professional Documentation Guidelines and/or Forms.
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Q: What if I have additional questions
A: Still have more questions? Call us at phone/TTY (231) 591-3057, or send us an e-mail.
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