OSSD Student Resources - West Chester University

Student Resources

What is a Letter of Accommodation and what do I do with it?

Your Letter of Accommodation (LoA) provides information to your classroom instructors about the accommodations you are entitled to receive. It is your responsibility to provide each of your classroom instructors with a copy of your LoA. It is advisable that you meet with your professors during their office hours to confirm that they have received your LoA, discuss your specific needs, and ensure a mutual understanding of your accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive; your accommodations will be effective at the time you give your LoA to your professor.

To request any modifications to your accommodations, contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities; you may be required to submit additional documentation in order to support your request.

It is your responsibility to add your name to the online LoA Renewal Binder EVERY SEMESTER in order to renew your LoA. Depending on the number of requests being processed, it may take several days to process your request.

What is an Academic Coach?

Academic Coaches are graduate students working toward a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education, or other related fields at WCU. Academic coaches work with students on academic and life skills that affect their coursework and their academic progress. Skills that academic coaches help to develop include self-advocacy, time management, organization, career planning, test-taking skills, study skills, stress management, learning style assessment, developing goals and priorities.

How do I sign up for OSSD Student Services?

If you are registered with the OSSD, you can sign up to receive services such as Academic Coaching, Mindfulness Coaching, and Assistive Technology Training by completing the OSSD Student Services Request form.

Learn about Adaptive Technology!

Audio Books: Companies like Learning Ally can provide many of your required readings as downloads to your computer.
Etext: An alternative to written texts for students who need a combination of print and or a more interactive text (larger font, more white space) or just the convenience of computer based texts.
Reading Technology: Programs like Kurzweil and Read and Write Gold, which allow students to access etext or online material (including teacher notes) in a more useful way. Some programs offer notetaking help, built in dictionaries and the ability to listen to your own writing efforts.
Dictation Programs: Nuance has a variety of options for dictation software.
Notetaking Technology: Livescribe Smart Pens (among other programs) offer an electronic pen that records lectures and allows you to upload notes to your computer for editing. The accompanying notepaper allows you to keep track of your recording and create better notes. For information about SmartPen maintenance and cleaning, visit the Livescribe website.
Alternate Texts: Alternate texts aid students with disabilities who have difficulty accessing traditional paperbound texts. Alternate texts are available in a variety of formats, most commonly: PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, and in some instances, mp3s. The OSSD is dedicated to ensuring equal access for students with disabilities. In order to be eligible for alternate texts, you must have appropriate documentation through the OSSD. Please use our alternate text request form to begin the process. You are required to use a WCUPA email address.

Scheduling an Appointment with OSSD Staff

Students may schedule appointments to meet with OSSD staff by contacting our office via email at ossd@wcupa.edu and indicating a reason for the appointment. Appointments are available during office hours either on campus (one-on-one only) or remotely via Zoom or phone.

Twardowski Career Development Center

The Twardowski Career Development Center connects students and alumni to the professional world, introducing them to who they can become. For more information, visit https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/careerDevelopment/aboutUs.aspx

Proctoring Center

Students who receive testing accommodations should speak to professors regarding testing arrangements; when professors are unable to accommodate students in a classroom, students may contact the Proctoring Center. Please see our Proctoring Center page for procedures.

Drop-In Hours

Drop-in hours may be available for students registered with the OSSD. If you are registered with the OSSD and are interested in a drop-in session for Academic Coaching, Mindfulness and/or Assistive Technology training, please complete the OSSD Student Services online form.