FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a special admissions process for students with disabilities?

HCCC does not have an alternate admissions process for students with disabilities.

HOW DO I REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Call Admissions at 866-0300 Ext. 8278 and request alternative testing accommodations.  Admissions will forward your phone call to the SSD office.  Send a copy of your psychoeducational evaluation, and also send a copy of your IEP or 504 Plan, or other pertinent information to:

Coordinator of Special Services

Herkimer County Community College

100 Reservoir Road

Herkimer, NY  13350

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEND MY DOCUMENTATION?

You will need to send your documentation to HCCC at least thirty days before you take the placement test.  This ensures that your documentation has been thoroughly reviewed.

WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES DO STUDENTS RECEIVE?

The services you receive at HCCC will be based on a review of your psychoeducational evaluation and/or other pertinent information and a meeting with the Special Services Coordinator. The documentation should be no more than three years old and must validate the need for services based on the student’s present level of functioning in the postsecondary educational setting.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A NIGHT CLASS AND I NEED ALTERNATIVE TESTING ACCOMMONDATIONS?

If a student has night classes, and needs alternative testing accommodations, and if the SSD is not open, the instructor determines whether the student will take the test earlier during the day, or the next day.  For example, if a class is at 6:00 PM on a Monday, the instructor may make the decision that you take it at 2:00 PM on Monday, or the instructor may make the decision that you take the test on Tuesday.  Make these testing arrangements as early as possible because the Coordinator of Special Services needs time to communicate with your instructor.

How do I schedule alternative testing arrangements for my finals?

You need schedule your finals at least 10 days in advance of the test.  This extra time is needed to schedule extra proctors and extra rooms.

WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE TEXT?

Alternative text is your textbook on a computer disk.

CAN I GET ALTERNATIVE TEXT?

Alternative text is an accommodation and the student must have a qualifying disability.  The student must also own a physical copy of the book and provide a sales receipt.  The student must sign an Agreement on Use of Recorded, Electronic, or Other Alternatively Formatted Course Materials.  The student has use of the alternative text for one semester and the alternative text must be returned before the end of the semester.

WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR DISTANCE LEARNERS?

First, you must provide appropriate documentation pertaining to a disability, in a timely manner and speak with the Special Services Coordinator, in a timely manner.  Alternative text may be appropriate as an accommodation for those with print impairments, visual impairments, etc. The student must also own a physical copy of the book and provide a sales receipt.  The student must sign an Agreement on Use of Recorded, Electronic, or Other Alternatively Formatted Course materials.  The student has use of the alternative text for one semester and the alternative text must be returned before the end of the semester.

Online tutoring is available through the Academic Support Center.

Online tests usually have time extensions built into them.  For example, you may have twenty-four hours to complete a test. 

HOW DO I REQUEST A TUTOR?

Tutorial services are available to all HCCC students through the Academic Support Center.  Tutors are available for over 150 different courses.  Online tutoring is also available.  Stop by in person or call 866-0300 Ext. 8288 for information.

WHAT DO I DO IF I THINK I HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY?

Make an appointment with the Coordinator of Special Services at 866-0300 Ext. 8331.  Colleges are not required to provide testing but can provide information on obtaining an evaluation from a professional. 

WHAT DO I DO IF MY DOCUMENTATION IS MORE THAN THREE YEARS OLD?

Contact VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities). Contact the Special Services Coordinator.

DO I HAVE TO USE SERVICES?

You do not have to use services.  However, if you are requesting an academic adjustment or accommodation, you must disclose a disability in a timely manner and follow SSD procedures.